GERMANY – The sawmill industry has long since abandoned labor-intensive manual operations in favor of efficiency-enhancing automated processes and at LIGNA 2017, all the leading providers will be showcasing technology solutions that take automation to the next level.

Achieving sustained profitability in sawmilling hinges on system-wide process optimization. Consequently, sawmill companies around the world are looking to invest in advanced technologies across a range of areas, from log handling right through to timber drying, optimization and packaging. LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair for machinery, plant and tools for the woodworking and timber processing industries, is the perfect place for them to do their research and ensure they make the right decisions.

Another key development is that more and more sawmill companies are diversifying their portfolios. Increasingly, they are supplementing their lumber offerings with processed, value-added timber products. LIGNA has this area covered as well, with an extensive array of products ranging from small “plug & play” planing solutions to the large-scale finger-jointing plants developed by the Weinig Group. In 2017, the LIGNA show’s revamped thematic layout will make it much easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. Products and solutions for all stages of the sawmill value chain will be located under one roof, in Hall 25, while the displays of mobile sawmill technology will be located on the open-air site.