Deutsche Messe told reporters at the Ligna 2007 preview in London that 132,000m2 of net display space had so far been sold, beating the 130,000m2 target set 18 months ago. The solid wood and wood-based panel processing sections of the show are already fully booked and about 1,800 exhibitors are expected in all (same as 2005).
And with a long list of new features planned for the May 14-18 event in Hanover, Deutsche Messe is confident the show will be a success.
Dr Andreas Gruchow, senior vice-president of Deutsche Messe, said 100,000 visitors were being predicted for Ligna 2007, compared to 96,675 two years ago. Foreign visitor numbers are expected to increase to nearly the level of German visitors.
“We have a really positive feeling because of the mood in the industry,” he said. “Everybody is getting increasing business.”
Dr Gruchow said German woodworking machinery exhibitiors had enjoyed a successful 2006, with some reporting a 15% growth in orders. He singled out the bioenergy and furniture production machinery sectors as big growth areas.
“Since the low in 2003, the situation has continued to improve for German manufacturers, and we are now back at the level we achieved in 2000, which was a record-breaking year,” added Dr Bernhard Dirr, managing director of show co-organiser the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association within the German Engineering Federation.
Hot topics at Ligna 2007 are energy, timber construction and surface treatment technologies. Wood energy will be covered by five conferences, including an international discussion organised by the International Tropical Timber Organisation in conjunction with the German government and the UN.
Ligna will also feature the Stihl Timbersports Series.
