The global woodworking and wood processing industry will gather at LIGNA 2025 in Hannover from May 26 to 30 in a challenging environment marked by new U.S. tariffs and international countermeasures creating significant risks for numerous industries. Yet 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 above all 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.”
Advanced Automation Meets Digital Technologies
Among the companies ushering in the future of woodworking machinery is Siemens. “Imagine a world where your machine solutions are not only efficient, but also sustainable,” encourages Sébastien Liénart, Head of Business Development – Production Machines for Wood. “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.”
A key element of Siemens’ presentation is the Industrial Edge Ecosystem, which brings together the combined expertise of Siemens and other companies to develop flexible edge computing solutions for industrial manufacturers and machine builders. Another highlight is the presentation of Inspekto – a powerful solution for visual quality control, specially designed for the woodworking industry, which will be demonstrated in action on real components.
Maximizing Value from Small-Diameter Logs
Raphael Burger, Member of the Sales and Executive Management Board at LINCK Holzverarbeitungstechnik GmbH – Europe’s largest manufacturer of sawmill equipment – 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.
LINCK introduces its new PRO NANO line, 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. For customers with existing LINCK systems, the company also offers optimization options including the Log Motion Control system for regulated log rotation, which boosts value yield by 0.5 to 1.5 percent with typical payback periods of just one to two years.
The company also presents myLINCK, an industry-first digital platform offering comprehensive functionality for machine condition monitoring, systematic maintenance, and process support. “This gives us transparency in the sawing process and significantly increases system availability. At the same time, myLINCK makes the work easier for customer personnel, reduces stress, and enhances workplace appeal – a crucial factor in retaining skilled workers over the long term,” Burger explains.
Smart Solutions for Material Conservation
Fagus-GreCon will showcase smart, remote-capable solutions and systems designed to conserve materials and resources at their stand in Hall 26. “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.
Visitors can experience the EDGEINSPECT laser-based edge inspection system firsthand and will be introduced to other smart solutions in preventive fire protection and industrial measurement technology. “We’ve not only been exhibiting at LIGNA for the past 50 years – we’re also proud to be celebrating both 50 years of GreCon and 50 years of LIGNA,” says Brenner.
Comprehensive Coating Solutions
Venjakob will showcase turnkey coating lines 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.
“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,” says Eickhoff.
