Smart manufacturing on display: WOOD Taiwan show opens

The show offered guided tours of exhibits.

TAIPEI, Taiwan – WOOD Taiwan 2026, one of Asia’s leading trade shows for the woodworking machinery and furniture manufacturing industry, opened April 23 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. Running for four days, through April 26, the show brings together 125 exhibitors spread across nearly 700 booths. The show is co-organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)  and the Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA)

Under the theme “Craft Smart,” the show highlights three key pillars—Green Manufacturing, Sustainable Living, and Future Wood—while showcasing innovations across five major application areas: machinery and equipment, hardware and panels, hand tools, furniture manufacturing, and timber structures, as well as AI-driven solutions. 

Visitors gather to enter WOOD Taiwan.

Global gathering for business opportunities
To expand global business connections, TAITRA has mobilized its 63 overseas offices to invite international buyers to Taiwan. Buyers from more than 50 countries have pre-registered to attend, including delegations from Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Notable companies expected at the show include Chromcraft Revington Douglas, a century-old U.S. furniture manufacturer and importer; Akhurst Machinery, Canada’s largest independent industrial machinery distributor; and Thailand-based BRT Intertech. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 7,000 industry professionals from Taiwan and abroad, generating strong momentum for international business engagement.

A number of well-known Taiwan companies are in attendance, including many represented in North America, such as Anderson Group, Leadermac Machinery, Technik, Immortaltec, and OAV. Other large companies on display include Innovator, Sheng Yuan Machinery, Kuang Yung Machinery, Shih Hsing Machinery, Boarke, and New Ren Yang. First-time exhibitors include Germany’s Vollmer, a leading provider of tool grinding technology.

Distinguished guests offer a ceremonial toast at the opening of the show on April 23.

Distinguished guests in attendance
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny Chiang; Legislator Yang Chiung-ying: Hideki Hasegawa,, vice chairman of the Japan Woodworking Machinery Association; Winson Tieng, president of Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association; Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, president of the Thai Woodworking Furniture Association; and Trinh Xuan Duong, chairman of the Vietnam Plywood Association.

Simon Wang, president & CEO of TAITRA, noted that amid global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, supply chain restructuring is accelerating, "and driving industries to adapt, transform and innovate.

"Amid this global landscape, Taiwan's woodworking machinery industry continues to demonstrate strong resilience and global competitiveness. Taiwan remains one of the world's leading exporters of woodworking machinery widely recognized for its precision engineering and high-quality solutions, he said.

Wang also emphasized that Taiwan's woodworking machinery industry will continue to drive innovation, advancing "digital transformation, integrating smart manufacturing, automation, and AI technologies into its production and services," while moving toward a future of smart manufacturing and sustainable development.

Chang Yin-Kung (Ian Chang), chairman of TWMA, highlighted the importance of Taiwan’s industry, which has earned global recognition through its manufacturing excellence, flexible customization capabilities, and reliable quality. 

"This exhibition is not only a platform to showcase the latest technologies and innovations, but also an important opportunity to strengthen global collaboration and partnerships," Chang said. "We hope through intensive communication and cooperation over the next four days, we can inspire new ideas and jointly create a brighter future for the woodworking machinery industry in Taiwan."

Looking ahead, Chang also stressed the importance of integrating AI technologies and automation to enhance productivity, reduce labor demands, and advance energy efficiency and environmentally friendly production processes. "Taiwan's woodworking machinery industry is actively embracing smart manufacturing and accelerating digital transformation. From equipment upgrades to integrated solutions, we continue to enhance our competitive advantage and create higher value for our customers."

Programs enhance engagement, industry insights
A wide range of concurrent events will take place during the exhibition, including procurement meetings, a woodworking machinery design competition, a buyers’ night, a sustainable timber forum, and guided tours. These programs aim to provide in-depth insights into industry trends and emerging technologies.

In addition, experiential activities such as the “Craft Smart Workshop” and “Wood Aroma Experience” blend craftsmanship with lifestyle aesthetics, demonstrating the diverse applications of wood in modern living.

For more information or to register for the event, go to woodtaiwan.com.

Show at a glance
Dates & location: April 23-26, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, Taipei, Taiwan
Theme: Craft Smart, with a focus on green manufacturing, sustainable living, and future wood.
Exhibitors: 125 exhibitors spread across nearly 700 booths.
Expected attendance: 7,000-plus visitors
New features: Two new exhibition areas are Furniture Manufacturing & Timber Structures, and Smart Manufacturing & AI Solutions.
Show organizers: Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)  and the Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA).

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 35 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As senior editor, her responsibilities include writing and editing for Woodworking Network publications FDMC Magazine and Closets & Organized Storage Magazine, as well as the website. She also oversees many of Woodworking Network's special projects and programs, including Red Book: Resource Guide for Best Practice, FDMC 300, 40 Under 40, and the Wood Industry Market Leaders. She can be reached at [email protected].