The intersection of natural wood materials with cutting-edge technology is creating new opportunities in sustainable construction, with engineered wood products emerging as powerful alternatives to traditional concrete and steel. The upcoming LIGNA trade fair will showcase how high-tech processing machines and innovative composite materials are driving an ecological revolution in the construction and building sector.
CO₂-binding wood-based materials are gaining significant importance as sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials that generate substantial emissions. These engineered wood solutions enable streamlined prefabrication processes, promote efficient use of wood resources, and play a crucial role in advancing the circular economy. The focus topic ‘ENGINEERED WOOD’ will demonstrate the full spectrum of pioneering solutions that unlock the potential of solid wood and wood-based materials.
“From joinery machines to automated production lines for manufacturing CLT and other solid wood products, as well as robots and robotic systems for assembling and joining wooden elements, drying systems, and treatment technologies for wood finishing – right through to software solutions for planning, designing, and producing mass timber structures – everything will be on display under the focus theme ‘ENGINEERED WOOD’,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe.
Automated Production Systems for Laminated Timber
Minda Industrieanlagen GmbH will showcase its latest customized production systems for glued laminated timber products. The company introduced the TimberPress X 100 eco in 2020, a CLT press capable of fully automated production of cross-laminated timber panels, including window and door cut-outs.
“LIGNA is the most important platform for Minda to present our innovative and future-oriented products to an international trade audience,” says Robert Falch, Managing Partner of Minda Industrieanlagen GmbH. “We want to use it again in 2025 to showcase our user-friendly, fully automated systems and present our new developments.”
Weinig will celebrate both 50 years of LIGNA and its own 120-year company history, presenting over 45 running machines and solutions live on more than 5,000 square meters of exhibition space in Hall 27. The company will focus on Weinig System Solutions, offering customized and holistic solutions in the CLT sector. A key highlight will be a 3D-animated CLT production line brought to life on a large LED wall, complete with a virtual factory tour.
Renewable Insulation Materials and Drying Technologies
Grenzebach will present cutting-edge veneer drying technologies, ranging from individual dryers with manual loading to complete veneer drying lines with integrated inspection, sorting, and stacking solutions. Beyond classic veneer drying, the company develops innovative production solutions for insulation materials made from renewable raw materials.
“LIGNA provides us with a valuable meeting place to engage with customers and industry professionals while gaining insights into current trends,” says Robert Brier, CEO of Grenzebach BSH. “As a technology company, we also think ahead: with a focus on the future, we offer energy-efficient drying solutions for veneer processing and systems for producing flexible wood fiber insulation materials from renewable raw materials.”
Schiele Maschinenbau GmbH will present its biggest innovation, the VACUMAT FlexCoat, representing a first in the furniture industry. This patented development allows color changes within ten seconds in one application unit, processing water-based, UV, solvent-based, and 2K lacquers.
Digital Platforms and Hybrid Manufacturing
Dieffenbacher will showcase the EVORIS digital platform, a cutting-edge solution harnessing artificial intelligence to drive digitization of wood-based panel plants. The platform enables seamless machine networking and real-time monitoring and optimization of wood-based material production.
Reichenbacher Hamuel will introduce two groundbreaking machine concepts under the motto ‘CNC rethought’: the OPUS-5K entry-level machine featuring a PIN table and advanced nesting function, and the ECO HybriDX-LT, designed to integrate large-format 3D printing with milling systems for post-processing in a single machine.
“Additive manufacturing will permanently transform the production landscape,” says Dr. Alexander Kawalla-Nam, Head of Additive Manufacturing Technology. “3D printing is set to become indispensable in traditional wood processing.”
Globe Machine Manufacturing from Tacoma, USA, will present solutions for the engineered wood sector, including OSB, MDF, and particleboard production lines with customized systems for sawing, sanding, sorting, stacking, and packaging. As a certified FANUC integrator, Globe specializes in robotic automation solutions that increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve plant efficiency.
