LIGNA, the world's leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry, will celebrate its 50th anniversary from 26 to 30 May 2025 in Hannover, Germany. Marking five decades of innovation since its inception in 1975, the fair continues to be the global benchmark for the sector, spanning the entire value chain from forest to finished product.
© Ligna
This milestone edition sees 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries, surpassing 2023's numbers, spread across ten halls, two pavilions, and an open-air site covering 113,923 square metres. Exhibitors will present cutting-edge technologies in forestry, sawmill equipment, machinery, and software, all under the guiding themes of Connectivity, Sustainable Production, and Engineered Wood.
Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG, said:
'The fact that LIGNA, in its anniversary year, has surpassed the previous edition's exhibitor numbers and is approaching the same level in terms of exhibition space is by no means a given. The woodworking and wood processing industry has been facing an economic downturn for months. The exhibitors' strong commitment to their leading trade fair cannot be overstated.'
Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, automation, and CO₂ reduction technologies are expected to dominate the exhibition landscape. "Smart Forestry" will highlight efficient and sustainable forest management. The LIGNA.Stage in Hall 12 will host expert-led sessions, while hands-on events like the LIGNA.TruckStop and LIGNA.Campus will spotlight practical solutions and educational initiatives. Carpenters' Day and Joiners'/Carpenters' Day will celebrate skilled trades with tailored programmes, competitions, and live demonstrations.
Industry leaders such as HOMAG, Biesse, SCM, Felder, Dieffenbacher, Siempelkamp and others will be joined by numerous mid-sized manufacturers, start-ups, and software providers from around the globe.
Despite the optimism surrounding LIGNA 2025, economic headwinds persist. According to the VDMA, production of German woodworking machinery fell by 9% in 2024 to €3.8 billion, down from a record €4.2 billion in 2023. Exports also declined by 12% to €2.5 billion, particularly in European markets. North America, however, showed growth.
Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, expressed cautious optimism:
'The past year and the beginning of 2025 have been challenging, but there are many reasons for optimism. Customers are willing to invest, they're just waiting for the right moment. We hope that LIGNA will provide the spark the industry needs. The very strong visitor registration figures give us reason to be optimistic.'
Dirr also highlighted the strategic advantage of wood in climate change mitigation, noting its rising popularity in construction:
'If the construction industry, which is particularly energy- and resource-intensive – is to become more sustainable, greater use of wood is essential.'
With an export share of 68%, the industry remains globally interconnected. Future growth, according to VDMA, hinges on stable policy conditions and a rebound in global construction.
More information:
LIGNA
www.ligna.de