Tuesday, November 18, 2025
From October 14 to 18, 2025, Holz 2025 once again cemented its reputation as the most vital meeting point for the entire woodworking industry in Switzerland and the surrounding regions. With a clear increase in exhibitors and a strong turnout of 32,094 industry participants, the five-day trade fair demonstrated the resilience, diversity, and forward-looking spirit of the sector, encompassing everything from primary processing machinery to advanced digital solutions and end applications.
Spanning a vast area of 45,000 m², the event at Messe Basel showcased 375 national and international exhibitors who presented the latest developments in joinery, interior design, timber construction, carpentry, and related trades. The consistently positive atmosphere and the high quality of professional visitors were recurring themes, indicating a sector ready to embrace the future.
Peter Niederer, President of the Holz 2025 Organizing Committee, encapsulated the fair’s broad appeal: “Holz 2025 has once again demonstrated the breadth and diversity of the woodworking industry. It is and remains the central meeting point for professionals from all sectors… The trade fair reflects the entire process, brings together the relevant players, and offers insights into related fields such as metalworking.”
A major highlight reinforcing the industry’s push toward digitalisation and sustainability was the 2025 Wood Innovation Prize, awarded on the fair’s opening day. The winners showcased practical applications of high-tech solutions within the traditional craft:
Markus Feusi, CEO of Borm-Informatik AG, noted the high engagement: “We experienced an exceptionally high quality of visitors at Holz. In addition to the customer meetings, Holz also strengthens the network among exhibitors. The atmosphere was relaxed, lively, and characterised by a consistently positive mood.”
A significant addition to the 2025 programme was the successful launch of the «performance showcase window», a specialised exhibition created in collaboration with the FFF – Swiss Association of Window and Facade Manufacturers.
This 1,300 m² special area focused entirely on window manufacturing, attracting a dedicated segment of trade visitors. The showcase was praised for its unique blend of theory and practice. Markus Hobi, Managing Director of FFF, highlighted the format’s success: “The combination of exhibition and production line proved particularly valuable: the professional exchange was directly followed by insights into practical applications. This generated great interest and provided tangible added value.”
Over 40 exhibitors presented the latest products, innovative solutions, and trends in the window production value chain. The live production line was a particular draw, offering visitors a hands-on, real-time look at the entire manufacturing process, from material preparation to final assembly. This focus on applied technology and direct, practical insight is indicative of the industry’s commitment to continuous skill and process refinement.
Celebrating emerging talent
The fair also maintained its strong focus on craftsmanship and professional development. The VSSM Audience Prize «Carpentry Young Star 2025» competition, organized by the Association of Swiss Master Carpenters and Furniture Manufacturers (VSSM), provided a platform for emerging talent.
Trade fair participants had the opportunity to view and vote on over 80 creative works by young carpenters. This year’s audience award for the favorite piece went to Laura Frick for her unique sideboard. The competition not only recognises outstanding technical skill but also nurtures the next generation of designers and craftspeople vital to the Swiss woodworking industry. Additional prizes included the OPO Oeschger Fittings Prize awarded to Mathias Heim and the Lamello Talent Prize to Robin Föhn, highlighting excellence in specialised skills within the craft.
The five days of Holz 2025 were characterized by commitment, deep expertise, and a palpable shared passion for wood as a natural material. The strong collaboration among major partners, including Homag, VSSM, Holzbau Schweiz, and Bern University of Applied Sciences, reinforced the fair’s role in promoting professional development and innovation.
In an increasingly digital world, the need for personal interaction and tactile experience was strongly felt. Thomas Widmer, CEO of Woodpecker Group AG, noted: “Especially in the digital age, personal interaction is regaining importance, which is why we deliberately focused on a relaxed atmosphere with our garden terrace and the Woody Bar.”
Tanja Fischer, Holz’s trade fair director, concluded that the event successfully demonstrated the power and unity of the industry: “Holz brings together people who work with wood with heart and soul—and that’s precisely what gives it its special character. We are delighted that the enthusiasm in the halls, the professional interest, and the pride in their craft made this year’s Holz such an impressive event.”
The industry now looks ahead, with the next edition of the triennial Holz confirmed for October 10 to 14, 2028, in Basel, ensuring the continuity of this essential platform for knowledge transfer and business development.
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Tags: AI in woodworking, Holz 2025, joinery technology, Swiss carpentry, timber construction innovation, window manufacturing showcase, wood innovation award, woodworking trade fair
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