International Press Delegation at SMOPYC 2026: Innovation, Growth and Global Perspectives in Focus

As part of SMOPYC 2026, which took place in Zaragoza from April 15 to 18, the Spanish construction industry association ANMOPYC, together with the Spanish government agency ICEX, organised an international press mission that provided trade journalists and industry representatives with exclusive insights into innovations and market trends.

A key element of the technical visits was the in-depth discussion with the engineering team from the Institute of Technology of Aragon (ITA). Groundbreaking technologies in the field of autonomous and hydrogen-powered machinery were presented, including applications for wheel loaders, trucks, dumpers, excavators and shredders. The latter are part of the European H2MAC project, which represents a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the industry.

Another highlight was the presentation of a robotic 3D printer for façade renovation and customisation. This technology clearly demonstrates the rapid progress being made in automation and sustainable construction and serves as an outstanding example of the innovative strength of the Spanish research sector.

The discussions and presentations not only provided valuable insights into Spain’s technological progress, but also reflected global industry trends. Worldwide, the construction industry continues to face key challenges, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation, automation and skilled labor shortages.

In addition to institutional insights, the trade fair offered an important platform for networking with leading Spanish manufacturers. The focus was placed on solutions with international market potential, including energy-efficient, lightweight and modular machinery, AI-supported applications, and concepts for offsite construction. At the same time, topics such as digitalisation, robotics, alternative drive technologies and safety innovations gained further importance.

A special highlight were the Reverse Trade Missions organised by ANMOPYC. These initiatives enabled international buyers to establish targeted business contacts with Spanish companies and opened up new market opportunities. The objective of this initiative is to sustainably strengthen the international visibility of the sector and promote long-term cooperation with the association’s member companies.

SMOPYC 2026 once again reinforced its position as one of Southern Europe’s leading trade fairs for construction, lifting and mining equipment. The 20th edition of the exhibition recorded significant growth and set new benchmarks: more than 1,050 exhibiting brands from 32 countries showcased their products and solutions across an exhibition area of approximately 107,000 m². With more than 62,000 trade visitors, the event further expanded its international reach and achieved an increase of over 23% compared to the previous edition.

Many thanks to ANMOPYC for the invitation to be part of the selected press group, and for the excellent organisation and on-site support. We are very proud of our long-standing collaboration and look forward to many more joint projects in the future.

Hasta siempre!
Beatriz López

About ANMOPYC
The Asociación Española de Fabricantes Exportadores de Maquinaria de Construcción, Obras Públicas y Minería (ANMOPYC) represents the interests of Spanish manufacturers of construction and mining machinery and is committed to innovation, internationalisation and sustainable growth within the sector.

About ICEX
ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones is Spain’s official trade and investment agency. It supports Spanish companies in their internationalisation efforts, promotes exports and positions Spain as an attractive destination for foreign investment.