Above: LIGNA is a hub for industry innovation PHOTO: DEUTSCHE MESSE
A strong level of registrations for the trade show is particularly encouraging: at the beginning of March, 1,337 exhibitors had registered for the anniversary edition, which means that the number of exhibitors at this year’s LIGNA has surpassed the previous event (1,288 exhibitors in 2023). Traditionally, two-thirds of the exhibiting companies come from abroad, while one-third are based in Germany. In terms of exhibition space, 112,772m2 113,937m2
are currently booked (2023:
) – an unexpectedly strong result given the current economic climate. “The 50th anniversary of LIGNA certainly makes this edition special, but the exceptionally high level of exhibitor interest is truly overwhelming,” said Stephanie Wagner, head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe. “Together with The VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, we as organisers are thrilled for the industry, which stands united and sends a clear signal of commitment to LIGNA. We are confident that the product innovations and the strong motivation of all exhibitors will help drive the industry’s turnaround at LIGNA, while also positively influencing visitors’ willingness to invest,” added Ms Wagner. Ms Wagner said the exceptionally strong turnout was not something organisers had necessarily expected given the general economic environment and the extremely tense situation in the woodworking and wood processing industry.
“New US tariffs and international countermeasures are creating significant risks for numerous industries – and LIGNA is not immune to these developments,” said Ms Wagner. “Yet in its more than 50-year history, the trade fair has repeatedly proven that it can serve as a driver of innovation and a point of orientation even in difficult times. With the focus topic “SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION,” LIGNA offers an ideal platform not only to discuss risks, but above all to actively seize
MEDIA PREVIEW TTJ attended the official LIGNA Media Preview event in Hannover during February, together with the woodworking press from all over the world.
LIGNA, which attracts around 100,000 people every two years, sees many exhibitors time their innovation and new product launch cycles around the show, and it’s a bellwether of industry sentiment. Weinig, Fagus-GreCon, Homag and Into Chemicals were among companies present at the preview to communicate their wood-based panels industry innovations to the press. The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 are Connectivity, Sustainable Production, and Engineered Wood – and are specifically designed to engage stakeholders across the woodworking community, including industry, trade, and forestry.
“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG, speaking at the media Preview event.
“In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA,” he said. “We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”
Deutsche Messe said industry experts
the opportunities of a new era,” added Ms Wagner.
“Where global business relations come under pressure, LIGNA focuses on sustainable and resilient perspectives. This year, our exhibitors will demonstrate under the focus topic ‘SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION’ that wood, as a renewable raw material, is the key to an environmentally conscious and competitive future.”
and market observers believe that the woodworking and wood processing industry – under pressure in recent months, particularly in Europe – could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fuelling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions. European woodworking machinery production was worth €3.6bn in 2024, a 15% reduction from the €4.2bn recorded in 2023, with 2025 expected to be similar to last year.
Germany is a key exporter of woodworking machinery. Its exports were 11.6% down in 2024, with the US, China and France being the top three export destinations. The UK was the eighth biggest market for German machinery makers, at just under €100m. Markus Hüllmann, chairman of Germany’s
Woodworking Machinery Association (VDMA), reported demand from the wood industries, with many projects in the pipeline but delays in clients giving the final go- ahead.
He said product diversification, hiring of tech-savvy workers and managing production more efficiently were very important for woodworking companies.
“Hardly any exhibitor skips LIGNA – and for good reason,” said Dr Bernhard Dirr, managing director of the VDMA. “Especially in challenging times, direct dialogue with customers is crucial to generating new investment momentum through innovative solutions. LIGNA is the platform where pioneering technologies are presented to an international audience of experts. And it’s not just manufacturers who cannot afford to miss this opportunity – customers, too, must be there, as the future course of the industry is set right here in Hannover.”
Thijs Meijerink, material and technology ►
www.ttjonline.com | May/June 2025 | TTJ
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