Hanover. The woodworking industry is approaching a memorable birthday: LIGNA will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. During the oil crisis of 1975, the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing was born at the Hannover Messe. For many years the fair took place under the auspices of what was then the Fachgemeinschaft Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen im VDMA e. V. (Woodworking Machinery Association) as the ever-growing “Woodworking Machinery Group Show”.
The origins of LIGNA date back to 1950, when the first “Woodworking Machinery Group Exhibition” took place at the “German Industry Fair in Hanover” and covered 2,780 square metres. In 1955 the area was expanded to 8,000 square metres and by 1965 it covered 22,500 square metres.
From May 28 to June 3, 1975, LIGNA took place in Hanover for the first time as the independent “International Trade Fair for Machines and Equipment for the Woodworking Industry”. The event attracted 720 exhibitors, of which 50% were international, covering 60,000 square metres of space. Since then, LIGNA has evolved into an established pioneering event in its field, attracting exhibitors and visitors alike. In the international trade fair context, it is widely recognised as a heavyweight in the capital goods industry.
Overall, the year 2025, a landmark year for LIGNA, is looking very challenging. The construction industry faces economic difficulties such as fewer orders due to the stagnation in the construction sector, declining sales, cost pressures, short-time work, a shortage of skilled workers, job cuts and the introduction of new legal regulations on the supply chain and the circular economy. Throughout its history, LIGNA has been described as a steadfast support in turbulent times and acts as an economic barometer. This resilience was evident in 1985, when it faced a similar situation. The closing announcement included the following quote reflecting the current state of the industry: “With the innovations presented, LIGNA HANNOVER 1985 will have a lasting impact on sales growth in the wood industry in the coming weeks and months. It will become a key pillar of the national industrial economy, currently weakened by the slowdown in demand from the construction sector.”
As stated by LIGNA organizers Deutsche Messe AG, Hannover, and VDMA Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen e. V., Frankfurt, LIGNA continues to embody two key aspects as it approaches its 50th anniversary: the innovative strength of the entire industry and a strong community spirit. In partnership with its exhibitors, LIGNA is constantly evolving, courageously weathering crises, shaping progress and making an active contribution to the future.
“LIGNA is a truly unique trade fair. Throughout its 50-year history, it has consistently succeeded in bringing all industry topics under one roof while offering each their own space. The industry players’ shared passion for innovation and performance is unparalleled. Everyone involved is driven by a common commitment to shaping technological progress and, in turn, ensuring business growth, stability and prosperity. As an organizer, it is exciting to witness and contribute to this spirit and we feel proud to be part of such a great community,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe AG.
“The success of German manufacturers of machines and tools for the wood industry would not have been possible without LIGNA. To be a global market leader, you need to be at the forefront of technology and demonstrate this leadership on a global scale. As far as I know, there is no company in our industry that does not consider the date of the next LIGNA to be the most important milestone in the innovation calendar. LIGNA is an essential part of our success story,” says Dr. Bernhard Diehl, Managing Director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Frankfurt am Main.
For a concise overview of the last 50 years, see LIGNA’s History at www.ligna.de.
About LIGNA
The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery. The fair will present the complete range of products and services for the primary and secondary industry, including tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, wood energy, machine components, automation technology and machines and systems for forestry technology.
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