Ligna 2025 closing: Anniversary trade fair with 1,433 exhibitors

In its 50th anniversary year, Ligna 2025 once again proved to be the most important platform for the international woodworking community with 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries. From May 26 to 30, it brought the global woodworking industry together in Hanover, gave the sector a significant boost, sparked new momentum and prepared the ground for future investments. "Ligna has impressively demonstrated its unique position as the world's leading trade fair for the industry. Around 78,000 visitors from 156 countries came to Hanover - which puts us on a par with the previous event. This is a strong result given the general conditions," said Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. "Despite all the benefits of digitalization, nothing can replace the experience of machines in live operation at a trade fair. I would like to thank all the exhibitors at Ligna who have demonstrated this here," added Köckler, adding: "The combination of innovative strength, technological progress and passion is the best prerequisite for renewed investment." The proportion of trade visitors at Ligna 2025 was 93 percent, of which 60 percent were visitors in managerial positions and 44 percent were top management.

Ligna exhibitors focus on digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence

The focus was on digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence, networked production, sustainable and climate-friendly construction with wood and wood-based materials as well as the future-oriented and careful use of wood as a resource. Köckler: "What makes Ligna unique worldwide is its position as an international marketplace for the woodworking and wood processing industry. This is where global supply meets international demand. With 56 percent of visitors coming from abroad, Ligna impressively demonstrates that it is the undisputed world's leading trade fair for the industry and facilitates global business at the highest level." Most international visitors came from Poland, Italy and Austria, followed by the Netherlands, France and Belgium. Markus Hüllmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, also draws a positive conclusion about Ligna 2025: "We had a good Ligna, which provided motivation and a tailwind in an uncertain environment. The situation is different in every segment and for every manufacturer, but everyone discussed important projects and recharged their batteries here in Hanover. For some, this has led to unexpected orders at the stands and makes us confident that the industry economy will quickly pick up again." The next Ligna will take place from May 10 to 14, 2027 at the exhibition grounds in Hanover.