Woodworking, Germany: minus 15 percent in 2024

After a record production of 4.2 billion euros in 2023, Vdma-the German association of woodworking machine and tool manufacturers-has predicted a 15 percent drop in woodworking machine production to a total value of 3.6 billion euros.

After a good start to 2024 there was a more significant drop than budgeted. “We had to revise our forecasts downward,” explained Bernhard Dirr, ceo of Vdma. “The significant production cutbacks and uncertainty about the near future are causing customers to hesitate with their technology purchasing decisions, despite the high demand for innovation. However, we see light on the horizon. The first interest rate cuts have been achieved. However, further courageous steps are needed to substantially boost the construction industry, investments and indirectly the woodworking machinery industry”, Dirr added.

According to Vdma, the decline in the order book has “…bottomed out,” and a stabilization of order intake for standard machinery is on the horizon. “As incoming orders have a delayed impact on production and sales, we expect a stabilization for the coming year 2025”, Dirr says of the outlook. “Automation solutions for all size classes, production concepts for new sustainable building materials and solutions for resource-efficient production will help the industry to return to growth. Added to this is the networking of machines so that AI applications can be used across the board. We are certain that the woodworking machinery industry is on the right track”.