Photo: Woodworking
The world comes to LIGNA to see the latest and greatest the woodworking industry has to offer.
The 2013 edition of LIGNA continues to build momentum and exhibitors, visitors and organizers had good things to say about the show that sets the standard for the industry.
The aisles were packed with visitors, many of whom are ready to buy, according to numerous exhibitors. Some of the large machine manufacturers report a significant recovery in the hard-hit U.S. market with the resulting orders to replace and/or upgrade machinery as the recovery continues. Asia, especially China, as well as Russia and South America also continue to be strong.
Anja Brokjans, spokeswoman LIGNA Hannover, says this year's LIGNA has again proven to be the most important show for the woodworking industry.
“LIGNA is where game-changing new technologies are first presented to an international audience of industry professionals,” she says.
It’s no secret that many companies hold off on new product introductions in order to be able to present them at LIGNA, the world’s largest show for the sector, in order to get the biggest bang for their buck. And as expected, exhibitors have unveiled hundreds and hundreds of new products. And among the large machine manufacturers alone, several companies have each introduced dozens of new or significantly redesigned and improved machines this year.
“Exhibitors are very happy with the first days of the show, especially with the quality of the visitors,” Brokjans says.
“LIGNA has a long history of showing efficient, innovative and future-defining ways of using raw materials and the latest technologies. And the motto for this year’s show, ‘Making more out of wood: Innovations, solutions, efficiency,’ was chosen because it reflects the key themes that are currently shaping the forestry and timber industries, namely sustainability, resource efficiency and the latest woodworking and wood processing solutions.”
LIGNA marks 20th show
This year also represents a special ‘birthday’ for LIGNA as it marks the 20th edition of the fair, a fact that was celebrated during a special opening party to mark this milestone for the world’s largest woodworking event.
The first edition of the biennial show was held in 1975.
LIGNA, which attracted some 90,000 visitors in 2011, continues at Hannover Messe until Friday.
