Woodworking community sees LIGNA 2025 as an economic driver

LIGNA in Hanover from 26 to 30 May 2025 will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation.

“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA.

“Hardly any exhibitor skips LIGNA – and for good reason. Especially in challenging times, direct dialogue with customers is crucial to generating new investment momentum through innovative solutions. LIGNA is the platform where pioneering technologies are presented to an international audience of experts. And it’s not just manufacturers who cannot afford to miss this opportunity – customers, too, must be there, as the future course of the industry is set right here in Hanover,” says Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, Frankfurt am Main.

Motivation for Emerging from the Downturn

The significance of LIGNA as the world’s leading trade fair remains strong, and constructive dialogue at LIGNA 2025 is more crucial than ever.

Samiron Mondal, CEO of Siempelkamp Business Unit Capital, emphasizes: “LIGNA is the ideal forum for us to meet global customers, showcase our innovations, and bring the trade fair’s motto – ‘Linking people, driving innovation’ – to life. Moreover, we greatly benefit from the exchange of ideas at the event.

”Like Mondal, whose company has been exhibiting at LIGNA since its inception, Rudolf Eickhoff, Technical Managing Director of Venjakob, also underscores the importance of LIGNA 2025: “We are currently facing intense competition in the industry, with declining sales in some areas. This makes it all the more important to discuss the latest sustainable production methods to ensure our customers can remain competitive in the long run. We firmly believe that direct contact at the trade fair not only fosters trust but also lays the foundation for successful projects.”

LIGNA Caught Between Two Scenarios

Industry experts and market observers believe that the woodworking and wood processing industry – under pressure in recent months, particularly in Europe – could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fueling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions.

Dr. Jochen Köckler remarks: “We are navigating politically tense times concerning tariffs and exchange rates – something many of us have never experienced before. The German federal elections and the outcome of the U.S. presidency will bring clarity. Regardless of broader economic conditions, the woodworking and wood processing industry remains indispensable. Wood, as a raw material, is the ultimate symbol of CO₂ storage and sustainability.”

Industry, Trade, and Forestry: Shaping the Future Together

The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 – CONNECTIVITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, and ENGINEERED WOOD – are specifically designed to engage stakeholders across the woodworking community, including industry, trade, and forestry.“The digital connectivity for a sustainable wood industry along the entire value chain, with wood and wood-based materials as the materials of the future – this summarizes in one sentence for what industry, craftsmanship, and forestry want to stand for together in the future,” says Stephanie Wager Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG, She adds: “With connectivity, sustainability, and future materials, the focus topics highlight the three core elements of this transformation and will be prominently featured across all seven exhibition areas.”

About LIGNA

The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Hannover, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It showcases the entire range of products and services for the primary and secondary industries – tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machines and systems for forestry.Further information on LIGNA is available at www.ligna.de