Carlo Salvi’s 2026: innovation, new markets, and integrated solutions for cold and warm forming

Carlo Salvi S.p.A. and Hatebur Umformtechnik AG strengthen their role as technology partners in the processing of wire in alloys and superalloys

In 2026, the group formed by Carlo Salvi S.p.A. and Hatebur Umformtechnik AG is reinforcing its position as a leading technology partner in the forming of wire in alloys and superalloys, focusing on application-driven innovation, integration into existing production processes, and solutions that address new demands for efficiency, flexibility, and skills availability.

The 2026 industrial landscape confirms growing demand in high value-added segments. In particular, the group expects significant growth in the aerospace sector, driven by new civil and military programs and increasing demand for structural components in light alloys and superalloys; in the high-strength fasteners market, serving energy infrastructure, electric mobility and critical applications; and in the defense sector, supported by rising strategic investments at European level.

This trend is driven by converging factors: accelerated industrial investments in the USA, Europe and adjacent strategic markets; increasing focus on supply chain resilience and reshoring; the need to enhance efficiency to offset pressure from energy and raw material costs; and increasingly stringent quality and regulatory standards, particularly in aerospace and defense.

In this context, the group’s 2026 innovation strategy focuses on three main directions. The first concerns the evolution of cold and warm forming, with the objective of extending the application limits of existing technologies to process high-performance materials such as titanium and superalloys, also through the development of new, highly efficient machine models that will be unveiled by the end of the year, opening opportunities in applications not yet fully covered by traditional forming processes.

The second direction is integration into existing production systems, a critical factor in consolidated and often conservative industrial environments, where the value of new technology is measured by its ability to fit in without disrupting operational continuity. Carlo Salvi–Hatebur solutions are designed to reduce start-up times, significantly shorten changeover times, interface with existing digital and logistics systems, and ensure flexibility for both medium-small batches and large-scale production.

The third direction addresses one of the most pressing challenges in European manufacturing: the shortage of skilled personnel. The new generations of machinery focus on increased automation and ergonomics, simplified setups, intuitive interfaces, and reduced dependence on highly specialized operators. The goal is not only to increase productivity, but to provide customers with the confidence to produce in a stable, repeatable and profitable way, generating long-term value.

The main challenges expected for 2026, geopolitical volatility, pressure on industrial costs, difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel, and the need for greater production flexibility, are addressed through a clearly consultative approach: not just machinery, but integrated solutions designed to improve overall process efficiency, from internal logistics to the quality of the finished part.

From a commercial standpoint, in 2026 the group will focus its efforts on key foreign markets: the USA, Central and Eastern Europe, and the United Kingdom. In particular, the European market remains central to the development of high value-added applications in the sectors previously mentioned, where cold and warm forming can represent an effective alternative to more energy-intensive or less efficient processes

Alongside performance and productivity, in 2026 sustainability and traceability are becoming increasingly concrete decision-making criteria for customers. The group continues to work on energy optimization of machinery, reduction of material scrap through more efficient processes, increased durability and reliability of machines and tooling — also thanks to the well-known and proven knuckle-joint system — and support for production processes capable of reducing energy consumption compared to traditional alternatives. At the same time, investments continue in certified quality, process traceability, and solutions that enable customers to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

“2026 represents a year of consolidation and, at the same time, expansion towards new applications of cold and warm forming for the Carlo Salvi–Hatebur group,” states John Razza - Sales Area Manager. “Our vision is to position ourselves as strategic partners for our customers, supporting them not only in increasing production output, but in the structural transformation of their industrial systems — making them more competitive, sustainable and resilient. Because investing in technology means investing in the ability to create real and lasting value, driven by concrete quality rather than chaotic quantity.”

The first opportunity to explore these topics in depth and to discuss with the Carlo Salvi team how the market will evolve in 2026 will be at the WAI Operations Summit & Wire Expo 2026, scheduled in Milwaukee from May 6 to 7. Do not miss this opportunity.