Photo: Woodworking
LIGNA exhibitors will showcase smart solutions for sustainable production.
When the global woodworking and wood processing industry gathers at LIGNA 2025 in Hannover May 26-30, it will do so in a challenging environment. New U.S. tariffs and international countermeasures are creating significant risks for numerous industries – and LIGNA is not immune to these developments. However, in its more than 50-year history, the trade fair has repeatedly proven that it can serve as a driver of innovation and a point of orientation even in difficult times. With the focus topic “SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION,” LIGNA offers an ideal platform not only to discuss risks, but also to actively seize the opportunities of a new era.
“Where global business relations come under pressure, LIGNA focuses on sustainable and resilient perspectives,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe. “This year, our exhibitors will demonstrate under the focus topic ‘SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION’ that wood, as a renewable raw material, is the key to an environmentally conscious and competitive future.”
Proven machine solutions combined with forward-looking technologies
Among the companies ushering in the future of woodworking machinery at LIGNA 2025 is Siemens. “Imagine a world where your machine solutions are not only efficient, but also sustainable,” says Sébastien Liénart, Head of Business Development – Production Machines for Wood, addressing woodworking professionals attending LIGNA. “At Siemens, we’re turning this vision into reality. Our cutting-edge solutions use open interfaces to combine scalable automation with digital technologies. Whether it’s about quality, flexibility, reliability, or sustainability – Siemens provides customers with the technologies they need to stay competitive and successfully overcome challenges. Visit our booth and experience how we merge proven machine solutions with forward-looking technologies such as AI-based quality inspection and Industrial Edge,” he says.
Another highlight is the presentation of Inspekto – a powerful solution for visual quality control, specially designed for the woodworking industry. Siemens will demonstrate Inspekto in action on real components, with visitors able to experience the virtual manufacturing and handling processes live at the machine model as well as through digital twins.
Greater efficiency, future-readiness, and appeal for sawmills
Raphael Burger, member of the sales and executive management board at LINCK Holzverarbeitungstechnik GmbH – Europe’s largest manufacturer of sawmill equipment and a global leader in profiling systems – also emphasizes that an ambitious market environment demands new solutions.
“Sawmill operators face the dual challenge of a difficult and expensive roundwood supply, as well as intense price pressure on the sales side. The future viability of sawmills depends critically on enhancing their competitiveness,” says Burger.
“At LINCK, we are committed to providing our customers with innovative solutions to meet these demands. For many years, we’ve focused on maximizing value yield – a core competency we are now highlighting even more with new system concepts and technologies. With our new PRO NANO line, we’re introducing a system concept specifically designed for processing small-diameter logs. The PRO NANO is available in three variants, all of which operate entirely without log turning devices and require minimal space.”
Sustainability and digitalization as key drivers of profitability
When it comes to sustainability, it’s worth visiting the Fagus-GreCon stand in Hall 26, at this year’s LIGNA. Their presentation will highlight smart, remote-capable solutions and systems designed to conserve materials and resources – helping companies cut costs and enhance quality.
“Sustainability and digitization are key drivers in securing long-term profitability. These megatrends are becoming increasingly important to our customers,” says Thomas Brenner, head of global marketing.
As a long-standing innovation leader and pioneer in this field, Fagus-GreCon will showcase a forward-looking portfolio of products and solutions. These aim to provide visitors with valuable ideas and tools to grow their business sustainably and successfully – while tapping into the potential of future-oriented industry trends and unlocking new sources of profit.
Making products competitive for the long term
Venjakob, a global player from East Westphalia-Lippe, will be showcasing turnkey coating lines at LIGNA 2025 – offering complete systems that cover all aspects of surface pre-treatment, coating, drying technology, and automation.
“This key trade fair is not just a platform to boost our brand awareness – it’s also an opportunity to reinforce our position as a leading partner for customized coating solutions,” says technical managing director Rudolf Eickhoff.
“As a general contractor, we develop tailor-made systems that meet our customers’ specific needs. Sustainability and resource conservation are core priorities, and this is clearly reflected in our innovative products and processes.”
“LIGNA 2025 is of central importance to us, as it’s the world’s leading trade fair for the wood and furniture industry, Eickhoff says. “At a time when the industry is shifting its focus more and more toward digital and sustainable solutions, face-to-face interaction with our customers and partners is more crucial than ever. We are currently facing strong competitive pressure in the industry, with some sectors experiencing declining sales. That makes it all the more important to share knowledge on sustainable production methods to ensure our customers’ products remain competitive in the long term.”
