Wednesday, May 7, 2025
As preparations are underway for the biggest woodworking fair, LIGNA at Hannover, Germany, lets have a quick look back at the grand LIGNA Preview where the industry got a sneak peek of what’s coming in May. Beginning in the third quarter of 2025, the woodworking machinery sector made a phenomenal comeback at the LIGNA 2025 preview. A picture of cautious optimism was presented by Markus Hüllmann, President of VDMA Woodworking Machinery, who emphasised that “despite the difficulties, there are many reasons to look to the future with confidence.”
Production in the sector shrank by 15% and exports fell by 11.5% in 2024, with the decrease being more noticeable in Europe than in other regions. Nonetheless, North America has demonstrated encouraging trends and is anticipated to spearhead the recovery alongside other international economies. Hüllmann asserts that increasing European businesses’ competitiveness will require integrating advanced automation and digitalisation solutions.
“Automation and digitalisation are no longer optional, but essential. They make it possible to reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent quality, even in a market where it is increasingly difficult to find qualified personnel,” Hüllmann commented.
Additionally, the sector views the growing usage of wood as a strategic opportunity that aligns with decarbonisation and sustainability goals. “Wood is a key material for the future. If we want to make construction more sustainable, we cannot ignore its growing role,” Hüllmann clarified, emphasising how the wood building industry is gaining new traction both domestically and internationally.
On the legislative front, the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association is advocating for changes that would simplify laws and increase labor market flexibility, particularly in the wood construction industry. “Bureaucracy and excessive regulations are slowing down the development of the sector. Clear action is needed to ensure the competitiveness of the German and European industry,” Hüllmann is concerned.
More insights will be available here: WOODWORD
Get such updates through the American woodworking industry website: woodandpanel.us
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