Every organization goes through important evolutionary changes of leadership. Recently, Chris Martin, chair of WMCO, and president of Horizon Coatings, completed his final term as board member and chair. His successor is Chacko John, vice president of Mobel Cabinetry.
Chris Martin has been our chair for the last four years and served on the board of WMCO for nearly a decade. Chris has been a guiding force for WMCO, leading us through transformative years. His tenure has seen us grow stronger, more innovative, and more collaborative. Under his leadership, WMCO rebranded, expanded, and established our five-year strategic plan, while also providing valuable support to WMCO operational leadership.
Beyond his role at WMCO, Chris has been the driving force behind Horizon Coatings, a company renowned for its advanced coating technologies and commitment to quality. Horizon Coatings has set industry standards with their innovative solutions, serving a diverse clientele across various sectors. Chris’s leadership at Horizon Coatings reflects his work with WMCO—focused, innovative, and forward thinking.
Chacko’s vision for WMCO is clear: To deliver on WMCO’s current strategic plan and support new directions after its renewal in 2026. His strategic approach and commitment to leveraging new technologies will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Under his leadership, we will continue to provide unparalleled support to our members, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish.
This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for WMCO. We are grateful to Chris for his years of service and leadership, and we look forward to the new heights we will reach under Chacko’s guidance. The future of WMCO is bright, and we are eager to embark on this journey together.
Join us in celebrating Chris’s incredible contributions and welcoming Chacko as he takes the helm. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the wood manufacturing industry.
Last issue, in partnership with Blum and Woodworking Canada magazine, WMCO announced its efforts to launch a tour for members to LIGNA 2025.
The role of industry clusters like WMCO is to execute activities that are driven by the needs of its members. Over the past number of years, WMCO members have expressed an interest for WMCO to take the lead on organizing a trip to LIGNA. LIGNA happens every two years. There is a saying that every two years it is “LIGNA Season.” In 2025, LIGNA celebrates its 50th anniversary. What a fitting occasion for WMCO members to go to the show together to learn and collaborate and share in the comradery of discovery. The show runs from May 26-30, 2025.
LIGNA is the biggest technology show our industry has to offer. “More than 80,000 professional visitors from the woodworking and wood processing sectors come to LIGNA, the world's leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing plant, machinery and tools, from all over the world to discover innovative machinery, plant and technology from across the entire wood industry. Global market leaders welcome this opportunity to stage live demonstrations of their plant and machinery in operation.”
Show themes for LIGNA 2025 include:- Tools and Machinery for Custom and Mass Production
- Wood Based Panel Production
- Machine Components and Automation Technology
- Surface Technology
- Machinery for Forestry, Roundwood, and Sawn timber production
- Energy from Wood
- Sawmill Technology
UPDATEAt the time of writing this article, some changes to the program have been made as we explore this opportunity. Feedback from members has led to the following changes:
Hotels will be within Hanover itself, closer to the show. This way visitors can have access to the amenities of the city after show hours.
Further research found some cheaper hotel options, keeping the total cost of the seven days total including airfare/meals/hotel to approximately $5,000.
The size of the group will be smaller: 15 spots. This will allow for easier booking of hotel accommodations.
Members will book their own flights to allow for flexibility for people who wish to do some other travel before or after our trip.
Members book flights Saturday May 24, 2025 that land in Munich the morning of May 25, where they will be picked up by Blum representatives at a specified time/location and shuttled to a hotel near Hoechst and Bregenz regions in Austria as guests of Blum for the next two days.
May 26: Tour of Blum plants, followed by networking dinner
May 27 a.m. - Possible tour of additional Blum plant and lunch, pending travel times
May 27 p.m.: Travel to Hanover (details pending)
May 27- 31: Four nights accommodation for LIGNA show being arranged by WMCO
May 28: Members will tour LIGNA; free time in evening.
May 29: Members will tour LIGNA; efforts underway to organize one evening entertainment/programming and access to reception events of LIGNA partners
May 30: Members will tour LIGNA; free time in evening
May 31: End of scheduled program
Many details have yet to be fleshed out, but the partnerships have been established, and the planning is ongoing. With Blum as a major partner at the beginning of the trip, it promises to be a dynamic learning experience for everyone. We are currently trying to source hotels, to create a package for members for ease of planning.
CALL FOR INTEREST
With much of the legwork being done for you, why wouldn’t you come with WMCO and Woodworking Canada to visit Blum and LIGNA May 24-31 2025? Indicate your interest now to
bdewitt@wmco.ca.
