This year, in its 50th anniversary year, LIGNA seems to be returning to its roots. In 1975, during the oil crisis, the trade fair was separated from the Hannover Messe as an independent brand. 50 years later, the woodworking and processing industry is once again facing economic challenges, but LIGNA conveys optimism and forward-thinking solutions. Six months before the opening, the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and processing industry has already received applications from 1,100 exhibitors for more than 105,000 square meters of exhibition space. For comparison: LIGNA 2023 attracted 1,300 exhibitors on 114,000 square meters and 80,000 visitors.
“The excellent registration figures for LIGNA 2025 are a very important signal for the entire woodworking industry. Given the current extremely difficult economic situation, it is not surprising that companies are so keen to attend a major trade fair,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe. She adds: “Taking part in a trade fair is an important investment. LIGNA exhibitors need large areas and elaborate stand concepts to present large, complex machines and systems in action. The fact that our customers are willing to make this investment despite the current economic situation underlines the high value of LIGNA.” As the organizers of VDMA and Deutsche Messe, we are grateful and proud to host LIGNA in our 50th anniversary year as a service provider for the entire industry. ”
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery, emphasizes LIGNA’s central role as a stimulus for investment and innovation: – The timing is exactly right for LIGNA. Confidence and trust are key to overcome the current investment backlog. It is equally important that politicians create clear framework conditions to promote innovation and investment after the elections. The timing of LIGNA couldn’t be better. I am convinced that our industry will gain significant momentum. ”
Topics to watch at LIGNA 2025
At the five-day trade fair in May 2025, exhibitors will present their innovative solutions around the LIGNA focus topics “Networking”, “Sustainable Production” and “Wood-Based Materials”. With a strong international focus – two-thirds of exhibitors are from abroad and one-third are from Germany – LIGNA offers the industry a comprehensive platform for exploring design options for the necessary transformation processes.
Stephanie Wagner, Project Manager for LIGNA, explains: “With the LIGNA focus topics, we address both craft businesses and industrial groups, as the entire industry is dealing with complete digital networking, the establishment of a circular economy, and the development of intelligent products”. The focus topics bring together international solution providers to tackle these three key challenges. LIGNA.CONNECTIVITY provides solutions for achieving vertical and horizontal integration by creating interfaces with existing systems to enable seamless digital networking.
LIGNA.SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION highlights economically viable approaches for the woodworking trade and industry, focusing on protecting the environment, preserving resources for future generations, and improving working conditions. LIGNA.ENGINEERED WOOD delves into the development of intelligently designed wood products, such as composite materials created by binding or fixing wood strands, particles, fibers, veneers, or panels for diverse applications. With these themes, LIGNA continues to drive innovation and transformation across the woodworking and wood processing sectors.
The LIGNA Exhibition Program
A look at the ten LIGNA halls and the open-air site reveals a familiar structure: Halls 11 to 15 and 27 will feature Tools and Machinery for Custom and Mass Production, demonstrating how craftsmanship and industrial applications can successfully converge through innovative technologies. Halls 25 and 26 will focus on Sawmill Technology, Wood Based Panel Production, and Energy from Wood. The open-air site and pavilions will be dedicated to machinery for Forestry, Roundwood and Sawntimber Production. A key highlight of the outdoor exhibition area will be the new format LIGNA.TruckStop, which will serve as a central hub for skilled trades. Show trucks, vans, and transporters will allow suppliers to present their products directly to trade visitors in an engaging and accessible way.
For those seeking Machine Components and Automation Technology – such as efficient drive solutions, control systems for CNC machines, energy-efficient transport and handling systems, and high-performance robotics – Hall 16 will be the go-to destination. Additionally, state-of-the-art Surface Technology will be showcased in Halls 16 and 17.