In 2024, the production for the woodworking machinery industry in Germany will drop 15%, bringing the total output value to Euro 3.6 billion, according to the forecast of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association. Initially, the association had predicted a smaller 10% decline but revised its outlook due to weaker-than-expected market conditions.
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, explained that ongoing challenges in the construction and furniture industries have delayed customer investments, despite a high demand for innovation. However, early signs of recovery, including rising orders for standard machines, offer hope for improvement in 2025.
The current market downturn, fueled by customer hesitation, led the association to withdraw its 2024 forecast altogether. “Initial interest rate cuts and increased large orders suggest recovery is on the horizon," said Dirr. Though stagnation is expected in 2025, the association remains optimistic that innovations in automation, sustainable building materials, and AI-powered production processes will drive future growth.
The VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, representing 3,600 companies in Germany and Europe, employs 1.2 million people in Germany alone.
