Thursday, July 31, 2025
The Swiss woodworking industry is gearing up for Holz 2025, the largest industry gathering in Switzerland, scheduled to take place from October 14-18, 2025, in Basel. This event is set to be the biggest of its kind, with over 350 exhibitors showcasing a range of innovative products, solutions, and advancements from the woodworking sector. Holz 2025 promises to be a must-visit event for anyone looking to explore the latest trends in woodworking, carpentry, and timber construction.
Holz has been the heart of the woodworking community since its inception in 1957. With every edition, the trade fair grows in significance and scope. This year, the fair will highlight key aspects of the woodworking industry, including machinery, tools, raw materials, semi-finished products, materials, and accessories. Visitors can expect a dynamic display of cutting-edge technologies, all designed to shape the future of woodworking.
The fair’s organisers have already confirmed the participation of 335 exhibitors, with a total of around 350 expected by October. This marks a significant increase from the 2022 edition, which reflects the growing importance of the event within the industry. “With its offerings, Holz reflects the special dynamism of the woodworking sector: an industry deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, yet simultaneously impressing with its innovative strength, trend awareness, and committed young talent,” says Daniel Furrer, Director of the Association of Swiss Master Joiners and Furniture Manufacturers (VSSM).
The event is not only about exhibiting products but also provides a comprehensive supporting programme. This year’s edition promises a range of new and exciting highlights, bringing both industry professionals and enthusiasts together to explore the latest innovations. One of the key features is the VSSM Carpenter’s Young Star, an award that will recognise the best new talents in the carpentry trade. Over 90 pieces of furniture crafted by young carpenters will be displayed and judged by both the trade fair audience and a panel of experts. The “VSSM Carpenter’s Young Star” will be selected during the fair’s final day, along with the OPO Oeschger Fittings Award and the Lamello Talent Award.
In addition, Timber Construction Live will be an exciting feature of Holz 2025. This live competition serves as the WorldSkills preliminary round, where five talented participants will demonstrate their craftsmanship skills and compete for a spot in the next round. Visitors will also have the chance to admire wooden models in the Carpenters’ Model Exhibition, where audience voting will determine the winners.
A special section called The Future of Wood will focus on the latest trends and product innovations in the industry. This section will not only showcase new products but also offer an opportunity for networking and discussion. Visitors can attend the Innovation Forum, where industry leaders will present new ideas and developments. Among the highlights, the Prix Lignum 2024 traveling exhibition will present 15 award-winning models of wood and joinery pieces, demonstrating the creative potential of this natural material.
Holz 2025 will also introduce a Window Exhibition that will span over 1,300 square metres, offering visitors the chance to explore trends and solutions related to window manufacturing. The live production line, a feature of the exhibition, will allow visitors to experience firsthand how raw materials are transformed into finished windows. The exhibition will also include networking zones and short presentations on crucial topics like safety, continuing education, and production advancements.
Another significant new feature is the Wood Innovation Award 2025, which will be presented on the first day of the fair. This award recognises groundbreaking innovations in wood technology, products, or processes. With 47 submissions from exhibitors, the jury of experts will carefully select the nominees to be recognised for their pioneering efforts in the woodworking industry.
For those interested in traditional woodcraft, Japanese master craftsman Sadatsugu Watanabe will provide live woodworking demonstrations, showcasing fine craftsmanship techniques like woodturning and wood carving. These demonstrations offer visitors the chance to observe time-honoured techniques in action, and even try their hand at these crafts themselves.
Holz 2025 is committed to promoting young talent in the woodworking industry. For the first time, the fair will offer young talent tours for schoolchildren. These tours, designed in collaboration with various associations and universities, will provide students with exciting insights into career paths in the woodworking industry.
For the organisers, Holz plays a central role in promoting Swiss woodworking as a cultural asset. It’s not just about exhibiting innovations but about creating an engaging experience that fosters knowledge exchange, networking, and professional development. Tanja Fischer, Holz Exhibition Director, states: “Anyone who wants to be at the cutting edge of this field can’t miss Holz. Hands-on innovations, first-hand knowledge, a valuable network, and so much to experience – a visit is worthwhile.”
The fair is co-organised by tecnoswiss and HBT Switzerland, with key partners such as the Association of Swiss Master Joiners and Furniture Manufacturers (VSSM), Holzbau Schweiz, and the Bern University of Applied Sciences. Holz continues to serve as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and networking for professionals in the woodworking industry.
As Holz 2025 approaches, it’s clear that the event will serve as a defining moment for the industry. With its blend of innovation, tradition, and craftsmanship, Holz 2025 promises to be a memorable experience for all involved. Whether you are looking to discover the latest technology, explore trends in timber construction, or engage with young talent, Holz 2025 is the event that no woodworking professional can afford to miss.
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Tags: Basel, Holz, window exhibition, Wood Innovation Award 2025, woodworking, woodworking community, woodworking event
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