The Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO) recently had the incredible opportunity to travel with 13 of its members on a truly unforgettable international learning experience—a carefully curated tour of LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing technology, held in Hannover, Germany.
This wasn’t just a tradeshow visit. It was a full week of deep industry exploration, cutting-edge technology, global networking, and behind-the-scenes access to some of the most innovative operations in the world. It embodied WMCO’s core mission: helping Ontario’s manufacturers stay globally informed, connected, and competitive.
A Warm Welcome and Deep Learning at Blum in Austria
Our journey began on May 25, when we landed in Munich and were warmly greeted by our hosts at Blum, a world leader in furniture hardware. From there, we made our way through the picturesque landscapes of Bavaria and crossed into Austria, where we settled in for a relaxing evening and welcome dinner in Dornbirn.
The next day, we toured Blum’s impressive headquarters and manufacturing facilities. It’s hard to overstate how inspiring this visit was. From the moment we walked through their doors, it was clear we were entering a facility where precision, efficiency, and innovation are the standard.
Some key takeaways from our visit included:
- Fully automated manufacturing and logistics systems that demonstrated how Blum achieves world-class consistency at scale
- Lean production strategies and best practices that many of our members immediately connected to their own operations
- Eye-opening insights into employee development programs, sustainability measures, and digital transformation initiatives
Blum’s hospitality was outstanding—not only did they offer us meals, accommodations, and transportation, but they truly opened their doors to our group, sharing insights with a level of transparency and enthusiasm that set the tone for the entire trip. For many of us, this was a major highlight of the tour.
Innovation Immersion at LIGNA in Hannover
On May 27, we made our way north to Hannover. Over the next three days—May 28 to 30—we immersed ourselves in the vast halls of LIGNA 2025, with more than 1,500 exhibitors from around the world showcasing the future of wood processing technology.
LIGNA is where the industry’s biggest ideas come to life. Over those three days, our members experienced:
- AI-powered CNC systems and fully integrated smart factory solutions
- Collaborative robotics and automated handling systems
- Cutting-edge tools for panel processing, finishing, nesting, and surface technologies
- Strong themes of sustainability, including energy-efficient systems and bio-based materials
- Live demonstrations and detailed technical discussions that offered real, applicable takeaways
What made it even more valuable was the ability to engage directly with global suppliers, innovators, and peers. Whether it was a hands-on demonstration, a casual conversation over a beverage at an exhibitor’s booth, or a hosted event, every interaction added a new perspective or sparked an idea worth bringing home.
A big thank you goes to Woodworking Magazine for their support—they provided our group with full-access passes and helped connect us with key partners on the show floor.
Looking Ahead: Join Us for LIGNA 2027!
After seeing the impact this tour had on our members—both professionally and personally—we can say with confidence that WMCO’s LIGNA Tour is something you don’t want to miss.
That’s why we are excited to officially share: WMCO is planning another exclusive tour for LIGNA 2027, and we’re inviting all members to consider joining us.
Personally, this trip was a reminder of why international engagement is so critical for our sector. The technology we saw, the conversations we had, and the partnerships we built all point to one thing: Ontario’s wood manufacturers can compete globally, but we need to continue to seek out innovation and bring it home.
I hope you’ll consider joining us in 2027. Trust me—it’s more than just a tradeshow. It’s a catalyst for what’s next.
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