The event, organized by AFM and Tecnalia, provided an opportunity to learn about projects at a high level of maturity and their application to real-world industrial scenarios

Alfredo Giménez, Head of Innovation, and Paula Castrillo Ferrer, Innovation Project Manager, recently participated on behalf of Factor in an event jointly organized by AFM Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Tecnalia Research & Innovation, which included visits to the facilities of Tecnalia and CEIT Technology Center.

The event provided a first-hand look at developments related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering applied to industrial environments where efficiency and precision are critical.

Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Applied Innovation

During the visit to Tecnalia, the team learned about advanced robotics solutions geared toward flexible automation, artificial intelligence applications in industrial processes, and engineering projects focused on improving efficiency and productivity.

Among the developments that sparked the most interest were a robotic crane and various systems for recovering high-value parts through a combination of digital reconstruction and repair technologies.

One of the most significant aspects was the high level of maturity of the solutions presented and their application to real-world industrial scenarios.

“These types of meetings allow us to stay up to date on key technological trends for the sector, identify opportunities for collaboration with leading technology centers, align our innovation strategy with current market conditions, and strengthen our network of contacts within the industrial and technological ecosystem,” explains Alfredo Giménez.

Challenges Facing the International Industry

The program also included an analysis of the global outlook for the machining industry, presented by Patricia Tamés Ortega of AFM, who addressed the sector’s main challenges and opportunities arising from the adoption of new technologies and adaptation to new production models.

Among the key issues highlighted were the need to design products tailored to actual needs, avoiding over-engineering, as well as adapting processes to new production models.

The importance of collaboration and innovation in maintaining the industrial sector’s market position and competitiveness was also emphasized.

Digital Communications and Precision Sensing

The visit continued at CEIT Technology Center, where technologies applied to industry—such as materials engineering, chemical processes, and industrial telecommunications—were presented.

During the tour, the group also discussed digital communications on the shop floor and precision sensing solutions for the chemical monitoring of metalworking fluids.

The meeting provided an opportunity to identify new ideas and potential avenues for collaboration with technology centers to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and the integration of automation and data analytics, thereby reinforcing a practical innovation strategy applied to specific needs and focused on industrial outcomes.

Together with AFMEC, we showcased our industrial and technological capabilities in one of Europe’s most demanding markets

New business opportunities, strengthened commercial relationships, and greater international visibility. That is the outcome of Factor’s participation in MTO Days 2026, the international event held on June 9 and 10 in Stuttgart (Germany), specializing in precision parts, made-to-order manufacturing, machining, and industrial subcontracting.

Together with AFMEC (Spanish Association of Machining and Metalworking) and other companies in the advanced manufacturing ecosystem, we shared our industrial and technological capabilities with buyers, procurement managers, and manufacturers from various industrial sectors, strengthening our presence in one of the most important markets for European industry.

“These were two very intense days that allowed us to strengthen relationships and open up new opportunities in a key market like Germany,” says Fernando Gastaldo Lázaro, CEO of Factor.

MTO Days has provided an opportunity to meet with existing customers and potential new partners, primarily from the automotive, electronics, and hydraulics sectors. The professionals in attendance were highly technically qualified and were seeking reliable, specialized industrial partners capable of meeting the demanding requirements of European industry.

Interest in Factor’s Industrial and Technological Capabilities

Our industrial and technological capabilities have generated significant interest among attendees, particularly regarding the services where we offer precision, reliability, and the ability to adapt to specific requirements.

This response confirms the growing demand for specialized industrial solutions with high added value, reinforcing our position as an industrial partner capable of offering flexible solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

“A particularly significant aspect of our participation was the presence of our agents in Germany, Technica Partner, with whom we were able to analyze market developments, align strategies, and identify new opportunities for growth and consolidation in a country that is key to our internationalization strategy,” says Fernando Gastaldo Lázaro, CEO of Factor.

A Strategic Market for European Industry

Operating in a market like Germany allows us to demonstrate our capabilities in one of the world’s most demanding industrial markets, strengthen our international visibility, and build relationships with companies that prioritize quality, innovation, and reliability as key criteria for collaboration.

Likewise, the meetings held during the trade show have helped us identify some of the trends currently shaping the evolution of the industrial sector, including the growing demand for specialized and customized industrial solutions, higher standards in terms of quality, precision and efficiency, as well as interest in flexible partners with technological capabilities and a long-term vision.

The Value of Collaboration and Internationalization

Participating in this type of international event alongside AFMEC and other companies in the industrial ecosystem once again highlights the value of collaboration in boosting the sector’s international presence.

Joint participation not only helps boost the visibility of Spanish companies but also facilitates the creation of synergies, the exchange of knowledge, and access to new business opportunities in strategic markets.

We would like to thank AFMEC for its work in promoting the international presence of companies in the sector and creating networking opportunities that foster collaboration, visibility, and business growth.

We continue to advance our internationalization strategy, strengthening our presence in key markets and building solid industrial relationships that contribute to the company’s long-term sustainable growth.

He will continue leading the Spanish Association of Machining and Metalworking, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to innovation, talent, and technological transformation

Fernando Gastaldo Lázaro, CEO of Factor, has been re-elected president of AFMEC (Spanish Association of Machining and Metalworking) during the assembly held as part of Advanced Manufacturing Day 2026.

The reelection marks the continuation of a roadmap launched in 2024, characterized by a roadmap focused on strengthening the metalworking sector through innovation, digitalization, industrial automation, attracting talent, business collaboration, international outreach, and industrial sustainability.

AFMEC brings together companies involved in machining, metal forming, metal fabrication, and other strategic areas related to metalworking, serving as a platform for representation, collaboration, and advancement within the advanced manufacturing industry.

During his remarks at the event commemorating the association’s tenth anniversary, Fernando noted that “AFMEC is not just an association, but a reflection of a sector with its own identity, values, and an enormous capacity for evolution”.

He also highlighted the metalworking industry’s capacity for transformation in the face of current challenges, stating that “we are a sector that brings precision, technology, and reliability to the entire industry, but also a sector that looks to the future”.

During his speech, Fernando also highlighted some of the sector’s key strategic challenges, such as attracting and developing talent, advancing digitalization and automation, diversifying into new markets, and the need to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding global environment.

In this context, he also highlighted the role of  AFMEC and AFM CLUSTER as an ecosystem for business collaboration, knowledge sharing, and driving industrial innovation, emphasizing the importance of continuing to project the image of a strong, modern sector with a promising future.

Following his reelection, Fernando expressed his gratitude for “the trust of the members and the support of the Board of Directors,” reaffirming his commitment to the sector’s growth and to the consolidation of an increasingly competitive, innovative, and collaborative industrial model.

This continuity at the helm of AFMEC further reinforces Factor’s commitment to industrial development, industry collaboration, technological evolution, and the future competitiveness of the metalworking sector.

A space for connecting with students and graduates through a practical approach to key topics such as interviews, CVs and professional positioning

Once again, Factor took part in the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) Employment Forum, alongside FEMEVAL, an initiative aimed at strengthening connections between the academic and business worlds.

During the event, the Factor team -made up of Ana Mª Sánchez Escribano, Director of People at Factor, and Marina Coloma Gil, an intern at the company- had the opportunity to engage directly with students and recent graduates, sharing insights into how the company operates, the professional profiles currently in demand and the key aspects involved in entering today’s job market.

This year’s edition also included practical employability-focused activities such as mock interviews (Interview Lab), CV reviews and digital footprint analysis, allowing participants to work on key aspects of their professional positioning with the guidance of experienced professionals.

As Ana Mª Sánchez Escribano points out, “these kinds of practical dynamics allow students to face real-life situations and better understand how to approach their transition into the labour market”.

The Forum represents a particularly valuable opportunity to create a genuine first point of contact between universities and companies, encouraging mutual understanding and helping future professionals better shape their career paths.

Beyond technical training, initiatives like this help participants develop increasingly important skills, such as communication, professional presentation and the ability to navigate recruitment processes.

Participation in initiatives of this kind forms part of Factor’s commitment to strengthening the university–business connection and contributing to talent development.

At Factor, we would like to thank the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), FEMEVAL and all the organisations involved for promoting initiatives that bring the professional world closer to students and support their entry into the labour market.