GERMANY (Notifix).- The 20th LIGNA came to a close on Friday, May 10, achieving impressive results across the board. “This event has resoundingly reaffirmed its status as the world’s foremost trade fair for the forestry and wood industries and extended its lead on the competition,” stated Dr. Jochen Köckler, member of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe AG.

Over 40 percent of the show’s visitors came from abroad, topping the figure from the last LIGNA in 2011. And LIGNA once again lived up to its reputation as a showcase for innovations and global meeting place for industry decision-makers.

“All the pieces were in place: outstanding exhibitors, high-caliber trade visitors, an abundance of innovations and outstanding international turnout on the part of exhibitors and visitors alike. More than 90,000 professionals from 100 nations attended this year’s LIGNA. Any company aiming to boost its international business was sure to be here in Hannover,” commented Köckler. A particular highlight was the 52 percent upsurge in attendance from North America, to more than 3,000, establishing “a new record for LIGNA”. Russian attendance was also found to be notably on the rise. Visitors were particularly impressed with the scope of solutions on offer: “With everything from high-powered forestry machines to iPad-controlled furniture fabrication systems, the 1,637 exhibitors from 46 countries filled the 124,000 square meters of display space with a stunning array of high-tech innovations,” remarked Köckler

The next LIGNA will be staged from 11 to 15 May 2015, once again in Hannover, Germany.