LIGNA 2023, a balanced combination of state-of-the-art technology and networking

From May 15-19, the most important trade fair for woodworking machinery, equipment and solutions, LIGNA 2023, took place in Hannover, Germany. How I have already announced, we were there for 4 days believing that the 4-year break would make the event even more spectacular. And we were not wrong. Even if the occupied space seemed slightly smaller than in previous years, LIGNA continues to be a landmark in the field, both in terms of novelties presented and opportunities for socializing and networking.

According to official release, 1300 exhibitors from 50 countries showcased solutions for primary and secondary woodworking, furniture manufacturing and timber construction. There were 80,000 visitors from 160 countries, over 60% of them from outside Germany. More than 5,000 products, innovations and solutions were presented, of which more than 700 were absolute LIGNA 2023 novelties.

Footage filmed during this period, both inside and outside the fair, can be seen on VideoRDL.

Ligna, not just a space for news but also a space for meeting and socializing

Without minimizing the technical and informational side, what struck me at LIGNA 2023 was the socializing component. All the stands had very large meeting areas set up with tables. In fact, it is a tradition for LIGNA to be a big meeting place where all the distributors of participating companies gather. Where customers from different countries can find their zonal representative at the booth and can discuss machines with their own guide.

It's a unique blend of business meetings and friendly socializing unlike anything I've seen anywhere else. The bigger the company, the more space is dedicated to discussion. Meetings are very friendly over coffee, a beer or even a snack. Tables are continually occupied and meetings are arranged in advance.

In addition to these daily meetings, each company organizes its own party at a restaurant on the fair premises or in Hanover. The restaurants are often rented out at the end of an edition for the one after two years. One exhibitor said that although he booked 6 months in advance, he couldn't get more than 50 seats in a restaurant. The parties are large, rarely under 100 attendees, with team members, distributors and some of the customers in attendance. They are relaxed, German-style parties with lots of beer and merriment.

LIGNA 2023 came with a strong message for digitalization, automation, robotization and sustainability

I was looking forward to LIGNA 2023 to see if the strong impression from my only participation at this fair 10 years ago was confirmed. For someone who had only ever attended BIFE, even in its heyday, the sheer size of the German fair was more than impressive at the time. I had the feeling, and the frustration at the same time, that I would not be able to visit it in its entirety, despite the bus line connecting the pavilions. The state of the art machinery, the complex solutions and the shows of strength of the big companies were totally new to me and had a strong impact.

LIGNA 2023 did not disappoint. I saw machines that offer solutions, through automation, to problems that seem impossible to solve, I appreciated the interest in making the stands as special as possible, I talked to exhibitors from different corners of the world, I saw stands that looked like big restaurants at rush hour. A well-balanced mix of digitalization, automation, robotization, artificial intelligence and force. And again, the same frustration that I won't be able to walk the whole fair.

Compared to 10 years ago, LIGNA 2023 seemed less formal to me. I didn't see the same navy suits on more than 80% of the exhibitors. The protocol uniformity has been replaced with the more business-friendly, corporate customization. The larger presence of companies from China and Taiwan was another difference from that edition. I am referring to well-represented companies, with modern technologies and solid, well-built machinery, which are already selling well in many European countries, including Romania.

The solutions offered at the fair followed the current trends: energy saving, time saving, production efficiency, digitalization, interconnection, sustainability, circular economy. At the center of attention was wood as a renewable source, but also its sustainable exploitation.

Robots replacing increasingly scarce manpower and versatile CNCs for the construction industry

The robotic arms were like an emblem of the fair. Apparently the problem of lack of skilled labor is a general one, so LIGNA participants came prepared with solutions. From robots replacing sprayers to giant robotic arms that load, unload, stack, sort and store, all solutions could be seen at the fair. One of the most spectacular robotic arms I saw was the result of a collaboration between BACCI and BIESSE for sorting and storing cut items.

The shortage of skilled workers also led to a huge interest in solutions for automation and optimization of production lines. Intelligent interlinked machines, systems and processes that streamline production and lower costs were also highly sought after by visitors.

The upward trend in timber construction has inevitably led to the development of equipment dedicated to this sector. Interest in this area has been very high, with the stands being permanently full. Companies were focused on finding the most suitable technical solutions, but also on making machining more efficient in order to minimize material waste. Visitors could see CNCs for processing beams, CLT walls, solutions for advanced factory prefabrication of walls and ceilings of timber frame houses, as well as high-performance design software.

LIGNA is an industry benchmark. It is the event that comes with the most modern and state-of-the-art products and solutions in woodworking, furniture manufacturing and home building, as well as great socializing opportunities. Every two years, Hanover is the place where the main trends in the wood and wood-based products industry are set. According to tradition, although LIGNA 2023 has just ended, we are looking forward to the next edition. See you in 2025!

Photo: Din Lemn Magazine

Photo: Copyright Deutsche Messe