The ISTMA World Board of Directors held its first
meeting under the presidency of Christian Dihlmann, following his election for
the 2026–2029 term at the ISTMA World General Assembly in Shanghai. The meeting
marked the beginning of a new phase for the organisation, with a strong focus
on strengthening ISTMA's global reach, increasing engagement with industry and
reinforcing the role of tooling in the future of manufacturing.
The discussions reflected a clear ambition to further
develop ISTMA as a global platform for cooperation between national
associations, companies and other stakeholders across the special tooling,
mould making and precision machining sectors.
Strengthening ISTMA's global network
A key priority for the new Board is to broaden and
strengthen ISTMA's international network, both through closer engagement with
existing members and by creating new opportunities for organisations and
companies to participate in the association.
Membership development is becoming an increasingly
important part of ISTMA's international strategy. The Board is pursuing
contacts with potential new national members in different regions, while also
examining new forms of engagement that could facilitate the establishment of
national associations in markets where they are not currently available.
This approach is intended to expand ISTMA's global
presence while maintaining the central role of national member associations and
encouraging the development of representative structures wherever possible.
The Board also reviewed ongoing efforts to expand the
ISTMA Global Partners programme, with contacts being established with
international companies from different areas of the tooling and manufacturing
value chain. The objective is to increase industry participation in ISTMA
activities and create greater opportunities for knowledge exchange, cooperation
and mutual benefit.
Investing in the future of the tooling profession
The meeting also placed particular emphasis on the
future of the tooling profession and the need to strengthen recognition of the
skills and qualifications associated with toolmaking.
Following the decision taken at the General Assembly,
ISTMA is establishing an international committee to develop guidelines and
requirements for recognising the credentials of national associations and
approved qualifications for toolmakers. The initiative brings together
representatives from Europe, Americas, Asia and Africa, reflecting ISTMA's
objective of developing a broader international reference for professional
skills in the sector.
The Board also discussed the importance of attracting
younger generations to tooling. In this context, ISTMA is seeking greater
involvement from its member countries in the WorldSkills Competition, with the
aim of reintroducing Toolmaker as a recognised competition discipline. The
initiative reflects a broader concern shared across the industry: ensuring that
tooling remains an attractive and visible professional pathway for future
generations.
From global representation to greater industry
engagement
The new presidency is also placing emphasis on
increasing ISTMA's presence in international markets and strengthening direct
engagement with associations, companies and institutions.
The Board reviewed an extensive programme of executive
visits and international meetings for the coming months, covering Europe, the
Middle East, the Americas and Asia. These activities are intended not only to
support membership development, but also to strengthen relationships with
industry organisations, identify common challenges and create new opportunities
for cooperation.
The programme will complement ISTMA's existing
international activities, including regional meetings, the Tooling Forum session
in Brussels and the next ISTMA World General Assembly, scheduled for April 2027
in Istanbul.
A more connected global tooling community
The first Board meeting under Christian Dihlmann's
presidency therefore established a clear direction for the next stage of
ISTMA's development: greater global connectivity, broader participation and
stronger engagement with the industry.
At a time when tooling companies worldwide are facing
common challenges related to competitiveness, technology, skills, market
transformation and international cooperation, ISTMA's role as a platform
connecting national associations and industry stakeholders becomes increasingly
relevant.
The new Board will continue to work towards an ISTMA
that is more globally connected, more open to industry participation and better
positioned to represent and promote the strategic importance of tooling to the
future of manufacturing.
