Tuesday, November 12, 2024
The China International Furniture Machinery & Woodworking Machinery Fair (WMF), held alongside the China International Furniture Fair (Shanghai) and the Shanghai International Exhibition on Upholstery Technology for Home Furnishing, concluded successfully on September 14. Officially achieving record-breaking international attendance, WMF 2024 welcomed 3,715 overseas visitors, marking a notable 19.32% increase from the previous year. This international presence, accounting for 12.72% of the total 29,203 professional visitors, underscores WMF’s growing status as a global industry hub in the post-pandemic era.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovations and Industry Achievements
Spanning 50,000 square metres, WMF 2024 hosted over 380 exhibitors from China, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Russia, Thailand, the UAE, USA, Vietnam, and Taiwan (China). Across the four days, more than 1,000 products in eight categories were showcased, including machinery for wood production, wood structure processing, and wood-based panel manufacturing, alongside tools for furniture production, surface technology, and upholstery. Exhibitors received positive feedback, with both new and returning participants praising the fair’s effectiveness.
Ms. Elsa Chen, Marketing Manager at Siempelkamp, expressed her appreciation for the event: “WMF 2024 aligns perfectly with Siempelkamp’s values, focusing on innovation, environmental protection, and sustainability. The fair has not only brought valuable business opportunities but also offered momentum for the industry. WMF provides an excellent platform to showcase new technologies, foster partnerships, and explore market trends. We look forward to WMF 2025.”
International Collaboration and Delegations at WMF 2024
WMF 2024 attracted delegations from 25 regions across China, including Zhejiang, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Shandong, as well as 19 international delegations from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Egypt, South Korea, Russia, Belarus, and Thailand. The event provided a valuable platform for these global buyers and industry experts to exchange insights and explore market opportunities, enhancing exhibitors’ access to international markets.
High Praise from Buyers and Industry Participants
Attendees praised the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers, inspect machinery firsthand, and gain crucial insights into industry advancements, equipment innovations, and material variety. Ms. Volha Shyshkouskaya, Manager of International Relationships at OJSC “Ivatsevichdrev” (Belarus), highlighted the benefits of the event: “The exhibition is excellent for making contacts and meeting new people. Having both sales and technical staff at booths speeds up communication, and the business matching service for assisted booth visits is an excellent idea.”
Concurrent Events Emphasising Sustainable Innovation and Industry Synergy
Beyond the exhibition floor, WMF 2024 hosted numerous events to foster industry dialogue and learning, including the 21st National Symposium on Wood-based Panel Industry Advancements, the 2024 China Home Furnishing New Media Innovation Conference & Synergy Awards Ceremony, Super Factory 2024, and the WMF 2024 Exhibits Award Ceremony. The Super Factory event brought together leading panel furniture companies, machinery manufacturers, and industry experts to discuss best practices in efficient production. Topics included automation, design and production integration, and logistics management in panel furniture manufacturing. Furthermore, 24 exhibits from 21 organisations received recognition through the WMF 2024 Exhibits Award.
Looking Ahead to WMF 2025
WMF 2024 fostered strong connections between exhibitors and buyers, facilitating numerous on-site contracts and agreements that signal business growth in the sector. WMF is set to return from September 9–12 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai, Hongqiao), continuing to drive innovation and collaboration in the woodworking machinery industry.
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