Crowds steam into the massive Hannover Fairgrounds on the start of day two of Ligna Hannover.

HANNOVER GERMANY -- Ligna Hannover, the world's largest industrial woodworking event, got off to a roaring start.

Fair officials reported that Tuesday morning's attendance was up 12% compared to the same period for the 2009 show. This followed an attendance gain of 14% on Monday, the opening day of the show, which attracted approximately 80,000 visitors.

The star attractions of Ligna are the machinery and accessories being displayed by 1,766 exhibitors from 52 nations. This includes 41 displays by U.S. companies, many of them members of the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America. All told, the displays cover more than 130,000 square meters housed in 13 halls on the Ligna Fairgrounds.

"Ligna's exhibition and even program addressed the need for companies to remain competitive," said Stephan Kuhne, a member of the Deustche Messe Board of Management, organizer of the biennial fair.

This year's Ligna them is "Making more out of wood: Innovative, Efficient, Trendsetting."

In addition to the exhibits, the show features several keynote themes including Lightweight construction of furniture and cabinets; bioenergy and displays of novel woodworking by joiners, cabinetmakers and carpenters.

Ligna continues through Friday. Look for more coverage on Woodworking Network.