Ligna 2015, the specialized exhibition of machinery, equipment and tools for woodworking, which was held in Hanover from 11th to 15th May, ended with great satisfaction of all operators involved. The exhibition acted as a showcase of many technological innovations and of the rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 in the processing and treatment of wood.
“The exhibitors presented their latest developments to a global audience, revealing the new, high standards already achieved through communication between man, machine and intelligent tools in the woodworking and furniture industry”, Jochen Köckler, of the Board of Directors of Deutsche Messe, said, and added: “The new, pioneering technologies are the key to the success of craftsmanship, which can in this way adopt integrated production in its operations”.
The excellent results of LIGNA reaffirm its role of world leading trade fair for the sector: of the 96,000 visitors in total registered, in effect, about 40,000 were from abroad, especially from Austria, France, Italy, the USA, the UK, Russia, Belgium, Poland , Sweden, China and Brazil.
1,567 exhibitors presented at the fair their advanced solutions and technologies and their innovative production facilities covering an area of ​​over 120,000 square meters, focusing on high efficiency integrated production. The new “Wood Industry Summit” recorded broad support and great interest, and raised also the just as new “Surprisingly versatile” theme. “The excellent results of this year are summed up in the three unanimous comments of exhibitors and visitors: excellent international profile, impressive innovative thrust, increased attendance of top managers”, Köckler says.
The attendance of Asian visitors registered a significant increase, rising from 2,800 in 2013 to 4,700. From the Middle and the Near East there was an increase by 86 percent, and from Southern, Eastern and Central Asia an increase by 62 percent. From South America and Central America Ligna attracted 2,800 visitors, again with a sharp increase compared to 2013 (1,700).
Live demonstrations of the production of individual pieces of furniture as part of presentations that simulated the environment of the factory received the greatest attention from visitors, who had the opportunity to see firsthand the amazing benefits of networked production and to gather information to support their future investment decisions. The exhibitors' presentations focused on the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of the new solutions.
The next Ligna will be held in Hanover from 22nd to 26th May 2017.
www.ligna.de