Woodworking, Vdma: ready for a recovery starting

The woodworking machinery industry is preparing for a recovery starting in the third quarter of 2025. This is what emerged from the Ligna 2025 preview. Markus Hüllmann, president of Vdma Woodworking Machinery, outlined a scenario of cautious optimism, stressing that “…despite the difficulties, there are many reasons to look to the future with confidence”.

In 2024, the industry experienced a 15 percent contraction in production and an 11.5 percent decline in exports, with the decline more pronounced in Europe than in other geographic areas. However, North America has shown positive signs and is expected to drive the recovery along with other foreign markets. According to Hüllmann, the integration of advanced automation and digitization solutions will be crucial to improving the competitiveness of European companies. “Automation and digitization are no longer optional, but essential. They make it possible to reduce production costs, improve efficiency and ensure consistent quality, even in a market where it is increasingly difficult to find qualified personnel”, he said.

The industry also sees the increased use of wood as a strategic opportunity, in line with sustainability and decarbonization policies. “Wood is a key material for the future. If we want to make construction more sustainable, we cannot ignore its growing role,” Hüllmann explained, highlighting how the wood construction sector is experiencing new momentum in Europe and globally.

From a policy perspective, the Vdma Woodworking Machinery Association urges reforms to make the labor market more flexible and simplify regulations, particularly in the wood construction sector. “Bureaucracy and excessive regulations are slowing down the development of the sector. Clear action is needed to ensure the competitiveness of German and European industry,” Hüllmann warned.