The invention relates to production unit (1), in particular a bending press (2), for forming workpieces (3) of sheet metal, having two press beams (15, 16) which are displaceable relative to one another by means of a drive mechanism (53) and can be used to obtain a required tool length (42) by fitting a variable number of bending tools (36, 37). To enable them to be identified and/or their positions detected on an at least partially automated basis, the inserted bending tools (35, 37) have unmistakable codes in the form of electronically detectable information carriers (43). To this end, an electronic detection device (44) for detecting a plurality of information carriers (43) connected to a control device (46) or a control and/or evaluation device (47) connected to it co-operates with the first and/or second press beam (15; 16), and at least one displacement and/or guide mechanism (45) is provided which extends essentially parallel with the achievable tool length (42) and accommodates the detection device (44). The codes or data and/or detection signals of a plurality of information carriers (43) can be detected in sequence during a relative displacement of the detection device (44) along the displacement and/or guide mechanism (45) and can be transmitted to the control device (46) or the control and/or evaluation device (47) co-operating with it.