While the woodworking technology sector remains marked by considerable uncertainty, the Italian industry is banking on innovation, automation, and flexibility to maintain its competitiveness. Following the recent Xylexpo 2026 edition held before the summer, BOISmag sought insights from the association Acimall regarding market trends, ongoing technological shifts, and the short- to medium-term outlook for industry professionals.

What is the current state of the Italian woodworking and furniture technology industry?

Italian production of woodworking machinery ended 2025 with a 1% decline. Despite being negative, this result confirms the sector's overall resilience. Exports fell by 6.6%, whereas the domestic market saw positive growth. However, the outlook for 2026 remains quite uncertain. At this stage, there are no significant signals pointing to a genuine reversal of the trend. The furniture market is experiencing a slight downturn, largely due to reduced household purchasing power. Conversely, the construction sector is expanding, driven particularly by demand from public sector projects.

What are the key export markets for Italian manufacturers?

Around 70% of Italian production is destined for export. This figure confirms that the expertise, reliability, and quality of Italian-made machinery are recognized throughout Europe and the world. The United States remains our leading export market, ahead of Germany, Spain, and France. More broadly, Italian manufacturers also have a strong presence in other European countries, as well as in Canada, India, and China.

What is Xylexpo’s current standing among international events for the wood industry, and how does it differ from other sector events?

Xylexpo is the benchmark event for the sector in even-numbered years, alternating with Ligna in Hanover (Germany) in odd-numbered years. While the event has downsized significantly in recent editions, it has not lost any substance; in fact, it has expanded to include new themes in order to keep pace with market trends and needs. One of its distinctive features is the direct presence of Italian companies, without intermediaries—a genuine added value for visitors. Like Germany, Italy boasts a deeply rooted woodworking technology industry with a long manufacturing tradition. Naturally, this direct interaction between visitors and manufacturers is less common at trade shows held in countries where this industrial tradition is less developed...

Has the profile of visitors and exhibitors changed?

There have been no significant changes in the visitor profile. The majority of Italian companies downstream of the machinery manufacturers are medium-sized enterprises seeking solutions and equipment tailored to their specific needs. On the exhibitor side, traditional manufacturers remain present with products for panel processing, solid wood machining, and surface finishing. However, there is a growing number of companies offering complementary solutions, such as software, applications dedicated to wood-based material processing, and tools for system interoperability. Another trend observed in recent editions is the development of various technologies to optimize facilities and machinery, particularly regarding performance and environmental sustainability.

What are the key developments for the 2026 edition?

This edition is notable for a shift in the event's format. Xylexpo is joining forces with Plast—the international exhibition for the plastics and rubber industry—and the "Composites Future" zone (dedicated to the composites industry) to launch MATEC: a new space focused on multi-material processing. This integration reflects the convergence of materials and technologies used in production processes. For visitors, it offers the opportunity to discover solutions for wood, plastics, and composites all in one location, while fostering interaction between increasingly interconnected industrial sectors.

Does automation remain the primary driver of investment?

Investment must remain a top priority for companies. The fundamentals of production processes have not changed: manufacturing a piece of furniture or a semi-finished product still requires traditional machinery, CNC equipment, mass-production systems, and finishing tools. However, companies have realized that communication between machines and systems can boost performance on multiple levels. Automation, sustainability, energy efficiency, and productivity optimization are now key objectives for enhancing competitiveness. Achieving these goals requires investment.

What role does artificial intelligence play in production processes today?

AI is now a part of our sector, even if its development lags behind that of other industries. Adopting it requires investment in software, hardware, and specialized skills, and therefore depends on each company’s size, objectives, and strategy. AI can help optimize production processes, machine design, system integration, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance. Like any technological innovation, it must primarily serve as a tool for the business. Its value lies in its ability to meet concrete needs and deliver tangible benefits.

"Around 70% of Italian production is destined for export. This figure confirms that the expertise, reliability, and quality of Italian-made machinery are recognized throughout Europe and across the globe."

Is there also demand for more flexible machines capable of handling small production runs and customization?

Absolutely. This flexibility addresses the need for competitiveness, productivity, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. In recent years, the furniture sector has experienced alternating periods of growth and slowdowns, all while consumer purchasing power has been under pressure. Many manufacturers have reduced their inventories and shifted toward smaller-scale production that better aligns with actual demand. Consequently, the adaptability of production facilities has become a strategic factor, enabling companies to respond quickly to market demands without compromising on efficiency or quality.

How do geopolitical tensions and trade policies impact industrial strategies?

It is becoming increasingly difficult to identify markets that are completely insulated from geopolitical or economic tensions. Manufacturers must deepen their understanding of each market and establish a long-term presence there. This entails identifying trends, materials in use, shifting demand patterns, and the potential of each geographic region. Such analysis allows companies to devise tailored strategies and offer technological solutions that genuinely meet customer needs. Competitiveness no longer hinges solely on machine quality; it also depends on the ability to adapt one’s offering to diverse market contexts.

What are the main challenges facing European manufacturers today?

The European industry already boasts a very high level of technology and innovation. It is therefore essential to keep "raising the bar," but in a considered manner. Key areas for development include greater flexibility in machinery and systems, digitalization, customization, and the integration of production processes. Companies must invest in these areas to maintain their competitiveness. R&D investment remains crucial, but it must find an outlet in a market capable of absorbing it. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and flagging purchasing power in certain sectors, the challenge lies in striking a balance between innovation and the sustainability of investments.

And how does the Italian industry intend to withstand Asian competition?

The Italian industry possesses a legacy built up over time, founded on reputation, reliability, and expertise. These elements are major assets. Competitiveness also relies on technological innovation, design capabilities, manufacturing quality, and a balance between technological content and investment levels. After-sales service is another decisive factor for customers and helps build long-term relationships based on trust.

Can industrial investment in Europe pick up again?

Making forecasts in the current climate is difficult. Within Europe, Italy and Germany remain key players in woodworking technology, despite growing international competition—particularly from China. For Italian companies, continued investment in new solutions is essential to maintain and strengthen their standing in international markets. Key strategic priorities include the digital transition, automation, improved facility efficiency, and the development of innovative solutions. In a global market, the ability to innovate remains a decisive factor for competitiveness, especially as competitors are also continuing to invest.

What makes you confident about the future of the wood industry?

The economic landscape remains particularly complex, yet industry players are doing their utmost to navigate this period of transformation. Companies have demonstrated a strong capacity for innovation and adaptability. These qualities will be vital for continuing to invest in high-performance technologies, accelerating process digitalization, and leveraging human skills—all of which remain indispensable to the sector's growth and competitiveness.

What innovations and markets could transform the sector by 2030?

Innovation, digitalization, efficiency, adaptability, multi-material capabilities, and sustainability will be the key drivers of evolution for the woodworking technology sector—and the industry as a whole. Europe and the United States will remain benchmark regions, while significant momentum could also emerge from Southeast Asian countries in the coming years.

What message would you like to convey to the French manufacturers attending Xylexpo and to the readers of BOISmag?

France is, and will continue to be, a major market for Italian woodworking technology manufacturers. The sustained interest shown by French users reflects a solid relationship built on trust and the quality of the solutions offered. However, like any market, France remains subject to fluctuations in domestic demand. The technological sophistication, reliability, innovative capacity, and value for money of Italian machinery remain key assets for the French furniture and woodworking industries. They help to strengthen the position of "Made in Italy" products in these markets year after year.

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