LIGNA exhibitors showcase smart solutions for the focus topic “Sustainable Production.”

Hanover, Germany. When the global woodworking and wood processing industry gathers at LIGNA 2025 in Hannover from May 26 to 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. 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.”

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,” encourages 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,” Liénart continues.

A key element of Siemens’ presentation is the Industrial Edge Ecosystem, which brings together the combined expertise of Siemens and other companies. The goal is to develop flexible edge computing solutions for industrial manufacturers and machine builders. Also on display: a model of a processing machine, used by Siemens to demonstrate how an innovative, PLC-based automation solution can be implemented using their extensive portfolio.

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. This concept underscores our goal of maintaining the market benchmark for maximum value yield even in the small-diameter segment.”

For customers with existing LINCK systems, the company also offers a wide range of optimization and modernization options. From control systems to structural upgrades, LINCK helps customers make their operations more flexible and productive. “One example is our Log Motion Control system for regulated log rotation. It boosts value yield by 0.5 to 1.5 percent, with typical payback periods of just one to two years – a real competitive edge in a challenging market,” says Burger. He 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, highlighting that sustainable production also involves social aspects and fair working conditions. “LIGNA continues to be an inspiring place for dialogue and innovation,” he adds. “We look forward to shaping the future of wood processing with the input of our customers, partners, and visitors.”

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. “With our future-proof solutions, our customers can already position themselves today for the business of tomorrow and benefit from future developments,” adds Brenner.

Visitors can receive direct guidance on how to leverage digitalization to improve production processes. For example, they can experience the EDGEINSPECT laser-based edge inspection system firsthand. Additionally, they will be introduced to other smart solutions in preventive fire protection and industrial measurement technology. “As in previous years, we’re excited to welcome numerous trade visitors from around the world. 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.

Making Products Competitive for the Long Term

Venjakob, the 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.” Eickhoff continues: “LIGNA 2025 is of central importance to us, as it’s the world’s leading trade fair for the wood and furniture industry. 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. We firmly believe that direct contact at LIGNA builds trust – and that trust forms the foundation for successful projects. We look forward to presenting our latest developments and solutions, and to working together with users to tackle the challenges facing our industry,” says Eickhoff.

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