Global stage, Canadian spotlight: Inside LIGNA 2025 in Hanover
Under the wooden and steel beams of the Hannover fairgrounds, the hum of high-tech machinery competed with the buzz of conversations in dozens of languages.
It was the sound of the wood world converging — 1,433 exhibitors from 49 countries and nearly 80,000 visitors from 156 countries.
From May 26 to 30, LIGNA 2025 marked its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry.
In its official wrap-up, organizer Deutsche Messe described
the biennial event as one that “ignited fresh momentum and laid the foundation for future investments,” inspiring the sector to move forward with renewed energy.
With 93 per cent of attendees being trade professionals and 60 per cent in decision-making roles, the show provided not only a global showcase of innovation, but a unique international marketplace.
Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, said, “Despite all the benefits of digitalization, nothing can replace the experience of seeing machines in live operation at a trade fair.”
The entire industry in one spot
For many Canadian companies navigating post-pandemic markets and shifting global priorities, LIGNA wasn’t just another trade event — it was a critical moment to stay visible, stay relevant, and stay inspired. LIGNA was a chance to listen, learn and lead, they said. Many came seeking new suppliers and international collaborations; others wanted a glimpse of what’s next.
“It’s important for Canada to be represented here because LIGNA brings everyone all over the world,” said Conor McElveen, VP of aftermarket sales and support at B.C.-based Kadant. “Historically, this is the one place that brings all forestry players together. If you want to be a global brand, you’ve got to be here.”
That sentiment was echoed across the show floor.In Hall 25, Quebec’s family-run Conception R.P. showcased its finger jointing systems with equal enthusiasm.
“LIGNA is THE show,” sales director Brian Stears told Madison’s Lumber Reporter. “It’s essential for building synergies with other companies — and there are several clients and their friends that see us.”
Across Conception R.P.’s booth was ScanMeg, another Quebec firm, which brought its measuring and control instruments. President Marie-France Gagnon said LIGNA is both the most important and the most cost-efficient event in the industry. “It’s about meeting everyone in one place and keeping up with global trends,” she said.
Vancouver-based sales representative Alisha Wilby added, “LIGNA is the perfect meeting spot and it is essential for networking and client development. The camaraderie here is priceless.”
“It is essential to be here as a technological leader in North America. We are working on expanding in Europe and looking to build new partnerships.”
— Anne-Marie Levesque, VP of business and product development of Comact
Gilbert Products, also from Quebec, displayed its planers, moulders and rip saws. Sales manager Heidi Danbrook said: “We sell in 20 countries, including across the EU — and they are all here. Even our fellow Quebecers came to visit our booth.”
Gilles Gauvin of Carbotech agreed, noting he’s seen clients from major sawmills all over the world, including many from Quebec. “This is a good show for us — the best show in the last 10 years, in my opinion.”
Over at the open-air site, Norwood Sawmills from Ontario demonstrated its portable sawmills. Director of international sales Josh Ince said, “We’re here to support our customers and dealers who want Canadian sawmill innovation. It’s an effective show for Canadian businesses.”
“It’s the perfect place to meet new clients and reconnect with existing ones,” said HewSaw sales and marketing manager of the Vancouver office Bill Tice. “In fact, if you’re not at LIGNA, are you really in the wood industry?”
Unity and innovation amid global uncertainty
Among its three key themes — connectivity, sustainable production, and engineered wood — LIGNA spotlighted everything from reforestation to climate-friendly construction, as well as fresh takes on sustainability and craftsmanship, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
The industry’s adaptability and unity stood out.
“The cohesion and cooperation within the woodworking community at LIGNA was clear,” said Köckler. “Trade fairs are meeting places for people in a community that cannot be replaced.”
That spirit resonated with several Canadian visitors, who noted how LIGNA felt more like a global summit than a trade fair.
One Quebec-based sawmiller who asked for anonymity shared that “seeing where the European market is heading — especially with automation — helps us calibrate our long-term investments back home.”
A B.C. mass timber producer attending his first LIGNA, who also asked for anonymity, said: “The scale is unreal. This is where the future of wood is being shaped.”
Looking ahead to 2027
As the halls begin preparations for the next edition, scheduled for May 10 to 14, 2027, a small but significant change is coming — it will be held over five full working days. One thing won’t change: Canadian companies — from tech leaders to tool makers — will continue to bring their innovations and ideas to the global stage. Because for the forestry and wood industries, LIGNA isn’t just an event. It’s the compass.
Story and Photos by Jennifer Ellson
As part-time Managing Editor of Madison’s Lumber Reporter, Jennifer brings deep forest industry knowledge and editorial expertise.
Jennifer plays a key role in delivering the in-depth market insights Madison’s readers rely on.