Exhibitor News: Ludwig Hietel GmbH & Co. KG

The international trade fair for natural stone and stone technology, Stone+tec Nürnberg, will take place from 17 to 20 June at NürnbergMesse. Numerous exhibitors are currently preparing their participation, including Ludwig Hietel GmbH & Co. KG.

For full-range suppliers such as Hietel, Stone+tec has been one of the most important trade fair participations for decades. As a leading technology exhibitor with a clear focus on the German-speaking market, the company uses the Nuremberg trade fair specifically as a central marketing and sales platform.

Although the event is smaller in terms of exhibition space today than in the 1980s and 1990s, its thematic breadth remains intact, according to Managing Director Jens Niebergall: “The combination of construction, memorials and technology continues to fully represent the natural stone industry. Compared to other trade fairs whose focus lies more strongly on architecture and large-scale industrial production, Stone+tec offers a comprehensive overview – particularly by including the memorial sector. At the same time, we see the trade fair as the most important meeting point for German-speaking natural stone processors. In addition to the exhibition business, personal exchange is central for many visitors – reconnecting with long-standing partners, colleagues or former master-class students. This established, family-like atmosphere underlines the special significance of the event within the industry.”

Market Development: Investments Picking Up Again

After an overall restrained year in 2025, market signals for 2026 are clearly pointing upwards, according to Jens Niebergall. While consumables indicated stable capacity utilisation in companies, the capital goods segment was marked by noticeable caution. Since the fourth quarter of 2025, however, the situation has changed: the willingness to invest has returned, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for machinery. Many stonemasonry businesses are entering the season with well-filled order books.

Focus on Practical, Application-Oriented Development

From a technological perspective, Hietel sees the industry at a high level of maturity. Fundamental leaps in innovation are becoming less frequent, while targeted product and process optimisations are gaining importance. New tools and system solutions are primarily aimed at increasing efficiency in day-to-day operations. One example is the new “ROXX” diamond core drill, scheduled for market launch in March 2026.

Extensive Space for Technology and Applications

Across approximately 600 m² of exhibition space, Hietel will once again present itself as a full-range supplier. The display will include a broad mix of capital goods, tools and machinery. Visitors will not only gain insight into the portfolio but will also be able to test numerous devices directly on site. More than 50 technical advisors will be available in Nuremberg to answer application-specific questions.

A particular focus will be placed on skirting-cutting and profiling machines from the manufacturer Maincer. The background is the growing use of large-format ceramic slabs. As suitable skirting solutions are often lacking, this development is creating a new business segment for processors. Hietel will present a compact production line in live demonstration – with manageable investment and space requirements.

Looking Forward to the Industry Gathering

The organisational effort required for an exhibition stand of this size is considerable; the setup alone takes more than a week. Nevertheless, motivation prevails: discussions with customers, partners and industry colleagues make the trade fair days a highlight in the annual calendar for exhibitors and visitors alike.

About Stone+tec – International Competence Forum for Natural Stone and Stone Technology

Stone+tec Nürnberg – the international trade fair for natural stone and stone technology – will take place from 17 to 20 June at Messe Nürnberg. Stone+tec addresses all stone processors from the fields of construction, cemetery, monument and design, as well as property developers, planners and architects. Since 2024, Stone+tec has been accompanied by Tile+tec, which presents products and solutions for tiles and design.

Text and Research: Richard Watzke