MORE THAN a year before LIGNA 2027, a world leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry, the exhibition is reporting an excellent booking situation. More than 80 percent of the exhibition space has already been allocated, and all leading companies in the sector have registered their participation — across all exhibition areas of LIGNA. This confirms the woodworking community’s unwavering commitment to the fair — despite the still highly strained global economic climate.
“The clear and overall commitment from the companies shows that LIGNA remains the premier platform for international market players,” says Stephanie Wagner, head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG.
Among the industry leaders are major players such as Homag, Weinig, Biesse, SCM, Leitz, Leuco, Dieffenbacher, Siempelkamp, Sennebogen, Liebherr, Barberan, Cefla, Robert Bürkle, Ledinek, Linck, Microtec, Festool, Mafell, Hundegger, and Felder. Stephanie Wagner adds: “These companies represent the entire woodworking community, which strengthens Germany as a trade fair location, brings the international woodworking industry to Hanover every two years, and collectively formulates the ambition to fulfill and further develop the label ‘Global Industry Gathering’. LIGNA’s strong booking status shows that exhibitors use the fair as an international platform to demonstrate expertise, strength, innovation and global visibility — particularly in a challenging environment. The impressive registration numbers also highlight how important LIGNA’s objectives currently are for the companies: whether technological advancements, new market requirements or the need for international exchange at decision-maker level — exhibitors view LIGNA as a stable anchor point at a time when numerous markets are under simultaneous pressure.”
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, managing director VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, sees the opportunities arising from a rapidly changing global economy. “The global uncertainty and changes in the world economy — inconvenient as they often may be — also present opportunities for our industry. Production sites are being shifted more frequently than in the past. The investment pressure driven by societal trends is steadily increasing, and many planned investments have already been postponed for quite some time. Significant progress is also becoming evident in areas that may not come to mind immediately, such as recycling technologies or measurement technology. In May 2027, LIGNA will serve as the central marketplace of the industry, providing orientation. With its new date and without a national public holiday, it will fully live up to its outstanding role as an innovation fair. Modern woodworking thrives on innovation, much of which emerges at LIGNA — simply because it is most visible here. Exhibitors are eager to make use of this effect.”
See page 25 of our April/May 2026 issue on our Back Issues page.
