Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The annual EUMABOIS General Assembly held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Dresden, Germany, marked a pivotal moment for the European woodworking and furniture manufacturing sector. EUMABOIS, the European Federation of Manufacturers of Technologies for the Wood and Furniture Industries, serves as a critical platform for national associations within the woodworking industry, promoting collaboration and addressing the challenges faced by manufacturers.
This year’s gathering was particularly significant as it saw the appointment of three new board members, who are set to work alongside the re-elected president Frederik Meyer of VDMA (Germany) and vice president Enrico Aureli of ACIMALL (Italy). The fresh additions to the board include Tomas Nieciag (DROMA, Poland), Antoine Vernez (HBT, Switzerland), and Mustafa Sabri Erol (AIMSAD, Turkey). These appointments bring new perspectives and expertise, ensuring that EUMABOIS remains at the forefront of tackling emerging industry challenges.
Matthias Kraus was also confirmed as the financial auditor during the assembly, reinforcing the federation’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations. President Meyer expressed his confidence in the newly formed leadership team, emphasizing their ability to navigate the complex global landscape and address the technological challenges faced by the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industries.
“I am confident that the new managing board will be able to face the tough season that technologies for wood and beyond are going through with the necessary skills,” said Meyer. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the outgoing board members and reiterated the importance of preserving international cooperation amidst global uncertainties. “In a global conflict-ridden landscape, preserving transnational relations and collaboration, though in specific domains, is an open, tangible invitation to sharing and partnering,” Meyer stated, underscoring the spirit of unity and mutual support within the sector.
In addition to leadership changes, the General Assembly also provided a platform for discussing some of EUMABOIS’s critical initiatives. One of the highlights was the progress report on the ETML (European Tool-Machine Language) project. This initiative is designed to standardize and streamline communication across different technological systems within the woodworking and furniture industries. The project aims to enhance interoperability and foster innovation by enabling seamless integration of machine tools and software across various manufacturers.
The ETML project is seen as a crucial step in advancing the technological capabilities of the industry, allowing manufacturers to adopt cutting-edge solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. With the global push towards automation and digitalization in manufacturing, such initiatives are more important than ever for the future growth and competitiveness of the European woodworking sector.
The assembly concluded with an exciting announcement for the upcoming EUMABOIS General Assembly in 2026, which will be held in Turkey. This decision highlights the growing significance of the Turkish woodworking and furniture manufacturing market within Europe. Turkey’s vibrant and expanding industry presents a wealth of opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and market growth, making it an ideal location for the next EUMABOIS gathering.
EUMABOIS plays a vital role in representing the interests of over 800 companies across Europe, with a workforce of approximately 35,000 employees. The federation’s total estimated revenues reach an impressive 7 billion euros, reflecting the sector’s significant contribution to the European economy. EUMABOIS members include prominent associations such as ACIMALL (Italy), AIMSAD (Turkey), DROMA (Poland), HBT (Switzerland), Technology Industries of Finland (Finland), and VDMA (Germany), among others.
Through its collaborative efforts, EUMABOIS advocates for the woodworking and furniture industries at both the national and international levels. The federation serves as a key voice for industry stakeholders, helping to shape policies and standards that support innovation and sustainability in manufacturing.
As the woodworking industry continues to evolve, the leadership and initiatives presented at the EUMABOIS General Assembly 2025 are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of manufacturing technologies. With a renewed leadership team, strategic projects like ETML, and the promise of a dynamic General Assembly in Turkey in 2026, EUMABOIS is committed to driving progress and fostering international partnerships within the woodworking and furniture industries.
The federation’s commitment to preserving transnational relationships, promoting technological advancement, and supporting its members’ growth ensures that European manufacturers will remain competitive in the global market, even in the face of evolving challenges.
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Tags: ETML project, qEUMABOIS General Assembly, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking association, woodworking industry, woodworking technology
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