After a major slump in demand during 2009, manufacturers of wood working and processing machinery are now experiencing a marked economic upswing and are looking ahead with renewed confidence. There is already a palpable air of anticipation as LIGNA, the world's biggest trade fair for technologies for the wood, furniture and wood bioenergy sectors, draws near.

The global financial crisis and the resulting weakness of the construction industry and timber markets have certainly taken their toll, but demand for wood working and processing machinery and tools has been picking up again steadily since the end of 2009.

The key drivers of innovation and capital investment are the technologies that enhance resource efficiency. Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Director of the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers' Association within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), explains: "Resource efficiency is currently turning the entire wood working and processing industry on its head. The industry is not as energy-intensive as others might be, but its material costs make up a comparatively high proportion of overall costs. So while there's definitely a place on the agenda for low-energy woodworking and processing technologies, the main focus is on the efficient use of wood and hence on things like minimizing kerf and processing loss and maximizing wood waste utilization. In these and many other areas there is still much that can be done to improve resource efficiency - an important consideration given the rising cost of wood materials. The use of efficient machinery and production systems is thus a critical success factor in an industry characterized by spiraling prices for raw materials, energy and labor. The latest developments in this key area of efficiency will be on show at LIGNA."

Germany is the world's leading provider of wood working and processing technology, accounting for 30 percent of global trade in the sector.