Ligna celebrates its 50th anniversary

The origins of Ligna date back to 1950, when it was the first "woodworking machinery group show" at the "German Industrial Fair in Hanover", covering 2,780 square meters. In 1955, the area increased to 8,000 square meters, and in 1965, 22,500 square meters were already occupied. From 28 May to 3 June 1975, Ligna celebrated its premiere in Hanover as an independent "International Trade Fair for Machinery and Equipment for the Woodworking Industry" under the auspices of the then Fachgemeinschaft Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen im VDMA e. V (Woodworking Machinery Association within the VDMA) with 720 exhibitors (50 percent of whom came from abroad) on 60,000 square meters. Since then, it has become an established and pioneering event for companies in its sector in terms of exhibitors and visitors and is regarded as an outstanding heavyweight in the capital goods industry in the international trade fair context. The general conditions for Ligna's anniversary year 2025 could hardly be more challenging. The industry is navigating through challenging economic times: A slump in orders due to stagnation in the construction industry, among other things, declining sales, cost pressure, short-time working, a shortage of skilled workers, job cuts, new legal regulations for supply chains or the circular economy. Looking back in history, Ligna is often described as a rock in stormy times and often as an economic barometer. This was also the case in 1985, when the closing announcement at the time contained a quote that could also apply to the current situation in the industry: "Due to the innovations presented, Ligna Hannover 1985 will have a lasting impact on the sales development of the timber industry in the coming weeks and months and will become an important pillar of the domestic industry economy, which is currently weakened in particular by the slowdown in demand in the construction sector."

According to the Ligna organizers, Deutsche Messe AG, Hanover, and VDMA Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen e. V., Frankfurt am Main, Ligna continues to stand for two key aspects today, shortly before its 50th anniversary: the technological innovative strength of the entire industry and the strong community spirit. Together with the exhibiting companies, Ligna is constantly evolving, courageously navigating through crises, shaping progress and thus actively shaping the future. "Ligna is a very special trade fair. Over five decades, it has always managed to unite all industry topics under one roof and still give them their own individual space. The enthusiasm of all the players for their industry and its innovation and performance is unique. Continuing to shape technological progress together and thus ensuring business and growth, stability and prosperity - that is what drives everyone. Being able to experience and accompany this spirit as an organizer makes us proud to be part of this community," says Stephanie Wagner, Project Manager Ligna, Deutsche Messe AG. "The success of German manufacturers of machines and tools for the wood industry would not have been possible without Ligna. You can only become a global market leader if you are at the forefront of technology and can show this lead to the whole world. I know of no company in our industry that would not have the next Ligna date as the most important milestone in its innovation calendar. Ligna is an inseparable part of our success story," says Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, Frankfurt am Main.