The recent news that both Biesse and Cefla are to return to exhibit at Xylexpo hit the headlines a few months ago now. These were two long-awaited decisions that were critical for the success of Xylexpo, being held 13-17th May 2014 at the Milano-Rho expo centre.

The companies’ comeback has put the Milan event back under in the limelight as an strong and more complete showcase for a market that, despite one of the less brilliant seasons ever seen, is still among the leading marketplaces for design, woodworking and wood-based materials. Whether it’s furniture or windows, logs to cut or panels to form, Xylexpo gathers and amplifies the proposals of big global groups and small-medium Italian and international companies.

Hundreds of companies committed to the development and definition of new methods to process and produce, with an eye to the environment and natural resources, able to solve all issues related to different cycles and operations.

These companies will be the big actors Firms such as IMA Klessman, Robatech, Italpresse, Michael Weinig, Barberan, Camam, Casadei Industria, Essetre, Felder, Hundegger, Friulmac, Paolino Bacci, Siempellkamp, Wintersteiger are just a few of over 300 exhibitors which have already submitted their application to date.

“Italy is still a major global market, despite the problems caused by the economic challenge of this period,” says Jürgen Koeppel, a member of the board of Homag Group, commenting upon the next Xylexpo. “I am confident we will see recovery soon, because the Italian furniture industry can be competitive, and a global trendsetter for design and creativity.

“For Homag Group, Xylexpo is a major international exhibition, although in recent years it has lost some positions due to conflicts and discussions among manufacturers. But if we look at the European scenario, it is essential to have another strong event in the Old Continent besides Ligna.

“For a company boasting global leadership like ours, Milan is an effective platform to present our innovations and highlights, not only to Italian operators, but to customers from all over the world. Xylexpo gives the opportunity to highlight specific trends and show our capacity to make real innovation, especially addressing those who are looking for industry-specific solutions.

“We are really satisfied to see that interest is growing around Xylexpo day after day, not only because our competitors Biesse, and Cefla as well, have decided to come back to Milan. This is a really important step for the calendar of industry exhibitions, not only in Italy but all over Europe.