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European machine tool makers see India as strategic partner: Filip Geerts
Articles- Aug 29,25
In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Filip Geerts, Director General, CECIMO, shares his insights into the challenges, opportunities, and outlook for the European and global machine tools sector
Global manufacturing and the machine tool sector are undergoing rapid shifts driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments, and the growing importance of automation and sustainability. While Europe faces competitiveness challenges, markets such as India are witnessing strong growth and offering new opportunities for collaboration. Against this backdrop, the European Association for Manufacturing Technology (CECIMO) is playing a crucial role in shaping industry strategies, partnerships, and innovation pathways. Rakesh Rao interacted with Filip Geerts, Director General, CECIMO, to gain insights into the challenges, opportunities, and outlook for the sector.
How would you describe the current state of the global manufacturing/machine tool sector across major markets like Europe, America, India and China - particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and economic shifts?
The global manufacturing and machine tool sector are running at very different speeds across regions. European industrial activity has slowed due to weak demand, high energy costs, and geopolitical uncertainty, all of which are negatively impacting investment levels. In China, the sector is still significant but under pressure because of trade frictions, and supply chain shifts linked to the international environment.
India is currently outperforming, thanks to government programs, infrastructure investments, and its role in supply chain diversification, which are strengthening its manufacturing and industrial conditions.
About the machine tool industry, the sector is going through a structural transition. Demand is increasingly driven by automation, precision requirements, and localized production, as manufacturers adapt to new supply chain realities, geopolitical pressures, and the broader push for industrial resilience.
Europe remains a key player in the global machine tool market. What are the primary challenges and opportunities facing European manufacturers in the near future?
Europe remains a key player in the global machine tool market, though its position is increasingly challenged by current global dynamics. The sector was hit hard by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and broader economic instability. European manufacturers have proven resilient, yet they continue to face new and significant challenges: competitiveness pressures, high levels of uncertainty, global trade frictions, and a slowing economy which negatively impact the industry.
At the same time, clear opportunities are emerging. The shift toward AI, automation, and digitalisation is opening pathways to smarter and more productive manufacturing solutions. In parallel, the growing demand for green technologies and the increase in defence budgets create additional fields where European machine tool makers can innovate, invest, and reinforce their global position.
India has emerged as a resilient and growing manufacturing market. How do European machine tool builders perceive India for (A) its market potential and (B) as a manufacturing base for their products/technologies?
European machine tool builders are increasingly viewing India as both a high-potential market and a strategic partner.
Regarding the market potential, India is one of the most promising growth regions globally. Rapid industrialization, large-scale infrastructure projects, and demand from sectors like automotive, aerospace, and energy are driving machine tool requirements. European machine tool builders view this momentum as a key opportunity to deepen their engagement with the Indian market. As a result, many firms now prioritise India as a key export and service market beyond their traditional bases.
On the manufacturing side, India is gaining attention as a base for local assembly, component sourcing, and cost-effective production of standard machines. Competitive costs, a growing supplier network, and proximity to key markets in Asia and the Middle East make India attractive, not only as a sales market, but also as a strategic partner in global supply chains.
What are the most promising areas of collaboration between India and Europe, and how is CECIMO facilitating stronger industry partnerships between the two regions?
India is one of the fastest-growing major economies and a crucial partner for Europe. While India rapidly builds its industrial base and invests in new technologies, Europe brings long-standing expertise in precision engineering, automation, and sustainable manufacturing. Together, this creates strong potential for collaboration in areas such as digital manufacturing, green technologies, and advanced materials. Europe’s leadership in low-carbon, energy-efficient machine tools supports India’s climate and energy goals, while Indian manufacturers are eager to accelerate their Industry 4.0 transition with European know-how.
At the same time, challenges remain—most notably the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) introduced by India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries, which will require mandatory BIS certification for a wide range of machinery, including machine tools and components. Although its enforcement has been postponed until September 2026, the scheme creates a major barrier to trade as it does not recognise EU certifications, adds heavy administrative burdens, and risks disrupting the fast-growing export flow of European technologies to India. We hope this barrier can be lifted for European companies, allowing industry partnerships to expand on a fair and mutually beneficial basis.
Automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability are redefining the future of manufacturing. How are European machine tool companies leveraging these trends to stay competitive globally?
European machine tool companies are embedding automation and AI and machines become “thinking along” with operators. By using smart sensors and AI, they can monitor processes in real time, predict when maintenance is needed to reduce downtime and costs, and even optimise energy use. That makes production faster, more reliable, and more sustainable. A big advantage here is that AI can actually capture the knowledge of experienced workers. So even when skilled staff retire, their expertise doesn’t disappear, it stays embedded in the system and can guide the next generation of operators.
Sustainability is equally central. Companies are investing in energy-efficient machines, lightweight designs, and circular approaches that extend machine lifespans, cut emissions, and reduce waste. Digitalisation supports this by improving reliability and lowering resource use.
Ultimately, Europe is proving that global competitiveness and sustainability can go hand in hand — but only if we match investment in advanced machines with equal investment in the people who operate them.
How are CECIMO & its members gearing up for EMO Hannover 2025?
EMO Hannover has always been a significant event for our industry, and 2025 will also be the same. Our members are preparing to showcase latest innovations in automation, AI, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing, while also having the chance to see and compare innovations from around the world.
For European companies, EMO 2025 is more than an exhibition: it is a stage to demonstrate Europe’s leadership in machine tools, engage with international partners, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. It remains the global meeting point where innovation and business come together, offering companies the unique opportunity to both present their capabilities and gain fresh inspiration from others.
What is your short-to-medium-term outlook for global manufacturing/machine tools industry sector?
It is becoming increasingly difficult to predict how the sector will look in the medium term because the world is changing so rapidly. CECIMO observes a shift toward a more protectionist global system, with tariffs and changing trade dynamics adding pressure on the sector and international supply chains. At the same time, rising geopolitical tensions may lead to greater uncertainty in the business environment, making long-term planning more complex. These developments underline the importance of resilience, diversification, and strong international partnerships to ensure that companies can continue to invest, scale up, and grow sustainably.
At the same time, the machine tool industry continues to evolve and adapt. Demand could increase thanks to innovation in automation, digitalization, and the push for sustainability and energy efficiency. So, the outlook remains uncertain, highlighting the need to preserve open markets and avoid further measures that fragment global trade.
3 Blurbs (Optional)
Competitive costs, a growing supplier network, and proximity to key markets in Asia and the Middle East make India attractive, not only as a sales market, but also as a strategic partner in global supply chains.
The transition toward automation, AI, and sustainability is redefining competitiveness, with European machine tool companies proving that innovation and green growth can go hand in hand.
Strong international partnerships, especially between India and Europe, are key to navigating protectionism, uncertainty, and the rapid evolution of global manufacturing.
CECIMO
Filip Geerts
machine tools
European Association for Manufacturing Technology
global manufacturing
automation
sustainability
India-Europe partnership
EMO Hannover 2025
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