VDMA: LIGNA HANNOVER 2009 exceeds expectations of Germany's woodworking machinery industry
Hannover, Germany.

Hannover, 22 May 2009 - "The overwhelming majority of exhibitors were favorably surprised at the outcome of this year's fair," said Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers' Association within VDMA, looking back on LIGNA 2009 from the machinery manufacturers' perspective. "All their key customers were here. More projects and more promising deals were initiated than had been expected. In certain sectors, there were firm indications of good post-show business ahead. The next few months will
reveal how far these positive signs will take the branch in terms of real business."

This success highlights LIGNA's status as a "shelter in the storm": "LIGNA's popularity among exhibitors and visitors alike underscores its unparalleled status on the international trade fair scene. Visitor numbers may have been down this year, but this in no way represents a decline in quality. LIGNA is the show you simply cannot afford to miss," emphasized Dirr.

Good response to resource efficiency keynote theme

Many exhibitors centered their presentations around the show's keynote topic of resource efficiency, thus addressing an emerging mega-trend of ever greater importance to customers. Displays featuring efficiency-boosting innovations and approaches were in abundance at this year's show. Everyone in the current environment is looking to cut costs as the key requirement for outperforming their competitors in the marketplace. This year's LIGNA provided visitors with tangible input on precisely how this can be achieved. "We are hopeful this will also generate new ideas and momentum within the industry," commented Dirr.

Questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the German Woodworking Machinery Association within VDMA:

Tel. +49 69 6603-1594,

E-mail bernhard.dirr@vdma.org

The global woodworking machinery market is headed up by German manufacturers - both in terms of technological innovation and market volume. In 2008 some 21,800 people at a total of 210 German enterprises produced woodworking machinery and tools worth EUR 4.2 billion.