ICOSPA: Werner Schmid is active in the international federation of sheet metal forming associations

For several years now, the world has been undergoing a geopolitical upheaval that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Global rules that were previously considered unshakable have been broken in one way or another by various actors on the world stage.

We are undoubtedly living in a time when political and diplomatic challenges are greater than they have been in a long time. This is precisely why international industry exchange is of particular importance. The German Sheet Metal Forming Industry Association (IBU) is a member of the International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations (ICOSPA). This association has six national member associations from the United States (PMA), France (FIMMEF), the United Kingdom (CBM), Japan (JMSA), China (CCMI), and Germany (IBU).

Once a year, representatives from all six nations meet for an executive board meeting, and every three years, a large congress with several hundred participants is held in one of the six member countries. Our managing director, Joachim Hauß, is an elected member of the executive board of the German member association, IBU, and in this capacity participates in the regular exchanges among the executive boards of the national associations. The focus is on international exchange and networking among companies with similar objectives. The association fosters collaboration and mutual understanding—especially in times when political developments tend to deepen divides rather than build bridges.

ICOSPA thrives on exchange and learning from one another. Topics include, for example, how to address demographic change in other countries, how to adapt Germany’s still-unique dual education system to other nations, and how to deal with the changing mindset of younger generations. One particularly important overarching aspect is the realization that, on a personal level, cooperation and deepening friendships can help overcome obstacles that currently seem particularly insurmountable in international politics. In 2027, the international ICOSPA Congress will take place in the United States. We are eager to see which topics will be the focus there.