Co- organizer - VDMA

VDMA: LIGNA 2009 will show the way forward

The world's manufacturers of woodworking and processing machinery are experiencing a major downturn after years of sustained growth. The global financial crisis and the current weakness of the construction industry and timber markets are starting to bite. Which all makes LIGNA 2009 a pivotal event. The German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers'Association within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) - whose members lead the global Woodworking machinery market in terms of innovation and sales, having recorded a total 4.5 billion euros in revenues in 2008 - is convinced: LIGNA 2009 will show the way forward.

The key drivers of innovation and capital investment are the technologies that enhance resource efficiency. Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Director of the Association, explains: "Companies that invest in efficient production technology now will have a competitive advantage when the cycle re-enters its growth phase."

Faced with the medium-term prospect of rising personnel, energy and raw materials costs, woodworking and processing businesses will have to invest in resourceefficient production machinery and tools in order to survive, Dr. Dirr said.

Germany is the world's leading provider of this technology, accounting for 29 percent of global trade in the sector. Which is why woodworking and processing firms in need of more efficient technology solutions cannot afford to miss LIGNA 2009.