5 Questions for José Luís Gimenez | Barberan S.A
Barberan S.A. has been a key participant at LIGNA since its debut in 1975, using the trade fair to this day as a platform for innovation and international networking. Vice President José Luís Gimenez reflects on LIGNA's continued importance for his company.
12 Mar 2025Share
1. What makes LIGNA so special for you?
LIGNA has been our gateway to the international market since day one. As a machine manufacturer, we have proudly participated in LIGNA since its inception in 1975. More than just an exhibition, it is a platform where we showcase our latest technology, connect with customers, and stay ahead of emerging industry trends. Being part of this event every two years serves as a catalyst for innovation and provides an invaluable opportunity to meet people who, after so many years, have become more than just customers or partners—they are friends.
2. What have you been most pleased about at a LIGNA?
LIGNA has been incredibly rewarding for us, both professionally and personally. On a business level, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with companies from around the world and present our latest innovations. It is always gratifying to see our machines capturing attention and, more importantly, sparking meaningful discussions about technology, efficiency, and sustainability. One of the highlights is the positive feedback we receive from customers and partners, especially when we see how our solutions genuinely improve their operations. Beyond business, LIGNA also fosters a unique sense of community. The "after-show" gatherings—welcome drinks at various booths, exhibitor nights, and informal networking events—add a personal and enjoyable touch to the experience.
3. What is the funniest/best/surprising thing you have experienced at LIGNA?
One of the most surprising moments occurred in 1983 when we discovered that a cat had traveled inside one of the trucks transporting our machines from Barcelona. The incident even made it into the Bild-Hannover magazine! Over the years, LIGNA has given us countless memorable moments—some humorous, many stressful, especially when it comes to live machine demonstrations. On the "best" side, nothing compares to the surprise and satisfaction of having so many foreign companies visiting us, it is like opening a door to another dimension that it is out of your reach without LIGNA. Seeing customers from all over the world pilling up around our machines, brings meaning to our work and inspires us to move forward.
4. What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome at LIGNA?
One of the most unexpected challenges we faced was when a truck transporting our equipment to Hannover was hijacked due to a dispute between the transport company and one of its drivers!
Beyond logistical surprises like that, one of the biggest ongoing challenges at LIGNA is the complexity of presenting large machinery in a dynamic exhibition setting. Transporting, assembling, and ensuring our machines are fully operational for live demonstrations requires meticulous coordination and a highly skilled team.
Another significant challenge is standing out in such a competitive, innovation-driven environment. Creating a booth experience that clearly conveys the value of our solutions to a diverse audience is an ongoing learning process.
However, overcoming these challenges only strengthens us as a team and makes us more adaptable as a company. Every LIGNA presents new lessons, and we embrace them as opportunities to grow and improve.
5. When is a LIGNA a successful LIGNA for you?
For us, LIGNA is a success when we achieve three key goals:
Building Strong Connections – Success comes from interactions with existing customers, establishing relationships with new partners, and understanding their evolving needs. When we see our machines addressing real industry challenges and inspiring confidence in our technology, it validates our efforts.
Showcasing Innovation – A successful LIGNA is one where we effectively demonstrate our latest advancements and stand out as industry leaders. When visitors leave our booth excited about our offerings, we know we have made an impact.
Driving Growth – Ultimately, success is reflected in tangible business outcomes – new orders, partnerships, and inquiries that lay the foundation for future growth. A productive LIGNA means measurable results that reinforce our market position. Additionally, if we leave LIGNA inspired –having gained new ideas, insights, and trends, it is a sign that we have had a successful event.
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