to Reaffirm Thailand as ASEAN’s Industry 4.0 Super Hub
METALEX 2025, ASEAN’s No.1 Metalworking and Machinery Exhibition, officially opened today under the concept “The Spotlight”. The show features more than 3,000 world-class metalworking machinery and technology brands, supporting manufacturers across all industrial sectors in their transition toward Industry 4.0. The event highlights world premieres of new technologies, live robot demonstrations, and hands-on programming workshops that can be applied directly in real-world production – all aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Thai businesses and preparing them to compete confidently on the global stage.
The opening ceremony of METALEX 2025 was graciously presided over by Dr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry. The proceedings began with a royal homage performance by the Likay troupe “Chaiya Mitchai.” Dr. Nattapol then delivered a special keynote address titled “The Future of Thai Industry Under the Light of Innovation.”
Dr. Nattapol reiterated that the Ministry of Industry supports policies that encourage businesses to adopt technology and innovation alongside the principles of four-dimensional sustainability: profitability, coexistence with communities, compliance with international standards, and equitable distribution of income.
All of this, he stressed, must be implemented efficiently and competitively. The Ministry’s role is to empower entrepreneurs to grow fairly and robustly on the global stage.
The Ministry of Industry participates in METALEX every year to support sustainable advancement for entrepreneurs. In the past, the Ministry has provided tax incentives for investments in new machinery and the development of automation systems to transition toward Industry 4.0. This year, the Ministry expanded its support to include AI adoption and sustainability initiatives, particularly carbon reduction, helping entrepreneurs recognize the importance of technology in enhancing efficiency. The Ministry also encourages them to propose practical approaches that align with both technological advancement and sustainability, thereby reinforcing Thailand’s industrial mechanisms for long-term strength.
Mrs. Varaporn Dhamcharee, Managing Director of RX BITEC, stated that METALEX 2025 has prepared numerous special activities and highlights. Visitors will experience the very latest innovations and metalworking machinery technologies from 3,000 brands, 50 countries, and 18 international pavilions from 8 countries and special administrative regions. The show places particular emphasis on the JAMTAT Pavilion, which features a showcase of Japanese machine tools, and the Sheet METALEX Zone, which presents state-of-the-art sheet metal processing technologies – including laser, waterjet, bending, and cutting solutions. The event will also feature world premieres in Thailand of several latest-generation machines, such as:
● Laser Machining – A high-precision laser technology that can reduce total production time from 10 hours to less than 1 hour, consolidating multiple processes into a single machine and operating even on the hardest materials. It is ideal for industries requiring ultra-high precision, such as electronics, medical devices, aerospace, and mold and die, and is showcased by Sahamit Machinery Public Company Limited.
● Mazak – Launching its new QRX Series turning center with 2 spindles + 2 turrets, making its first debut in Thailand. The machine can reduce machining time by over 53%, features a rigid structure that supports heavy-duty turning, and comes equipped with automation for continuous operation. It is suited to virtually all types of manufacturing sectors and to factories seeking to increase productivity and genuinely reduce cycle time.
● Takamaz – Launching AT-1, its newest CNC lathe model, making its world premiere and first-ever debut in Thailand. The machine is fully loaded with comprehensive standout features, combining two previous GSL models into a single unit. It allows flexible switch-over between 6-inch and 8-inch chucks, incorporates a 42 mm spindle hollow to handle larger workpieces, and is equipped with the latest Mitsubishi control system. The model is competitively priced and comes with special complimentary accessories from Blum during the show (exclusively for the first machine ordered at the event). AT-1 is ideal for all users seeking genuine, high-quality Japanese machines that are easy to access – from general machine shops and SMEs to the automotive industry.
● AMADA – Presenting three highlighted machinery innovations: VENTIS 3015 AJe, a high-performance fiber laser cutting machine; a Robot Bending System, a robotic bending solution that increases efficiency and reduces labor costs; and an Auto Tool Change Press Brake, a bending system with automatic tool changing that significantly shortens setup time. All three are seamlessly connected to DX and IoT systems, covering the entire chain from design to production, helping factories of every size advance toward Smart Factory status and meeting the needs of all sheet metal businesses.
METALEX 2025 also features an extensive knowledge platform with over 110 seminar topics presented by 169 leading speakers from around the world, covering critical trends such as EV Tech Forum 2025: Exploring Micro EV Trends for Smart Cities; METALEX AI Forum 2025: Transforming Manufacturing with AI; an international conference on aluminum innovation; and a seminar on future skills for metalworking professionals led by Dr. Wit Sittivaekin.
To further enhance the visitor experience, METALEX The Master Class will offer live demonstrations of humanoid robots, simulation technologies, technology transfer sessions on weld fabrication, and hands-on workshops on IIoT programming and robotic arm systems. Participants will receive certificates from the Thai PLC Center. The program will be capped off with an exciting special activity, “Koma Taisen” – a steel spinning-top competition where top machinists and engineers battle for precision, with winners earning the chance to attend the championship event in Japan.
In addition, RX BITEC has curated a Royal Tribute Exhibition in collaboration with 11 exhibitors utilizing advanced metal processing technologies to create majestic metal portraits of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, along with a variety of metal art pieces. The exhibition is arranged as a heartfelt commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and is located at the front area of Hall 98.
METALEX 2025 runs until 22 November 2025 at Halls 98–104, BITEC Bangna, from 10:00–18:00 hrs. For more information, please visit www.metalex.co.th. As this is a business-oriented trade event, visitors are kindly requested to dress appropriately. Due to the presence of large machinery and live demonstrations that may produce sparks, children under 15 years of age are strictly not permitted to enter the exhibition hall. For further details, please contact call 0 2686 7222.
