The next edition of FIMMA + Maderalia will be more than just a trade show; it will reflect a profound transformation in the Spanish wood industry. This is the view of Santi Riera, president of FIMMA—the International Woodworking Machinery and Tools Fair—and a long-time businessman in the sector through his company Rierge. He sees the event as a response to two major challenges facing the industry: the labor shortage and digitalization.
In a context where technology has ceased to be a complement and has become the axis of profitability, Riera emphasizes the role of the fair as a turning point: “FIMMA 2026 will make a decisive contribution to creating a more automated, efficient and competitive industry.”Among the key new features is the strategy to attract technical professionals—manufacturing directors and production managers—and not just executives. The objective is clear: to improve decision-making in machinery purchasing. To this end, the trade fair will encourage these professionals to stay in Valencia, facilitating a more in-depth analysis of technological solutions.
Given the volatility of the global market, how is hiring evolving for 2026 and what does it indicate about confidence in the sector?
Booking is progressing at a faster pace than in previous editions, reflecting remarkable stability. We are growing both in the number of exhibitors and in exhibition space. A key indicator is the return of Italian companies, whose presence confirms that FIMMA is a barometer of the European market and that there is a climate of opportunity in Spain to present major technological innovations.
The committee has decided to focus on the production manager. How will this impact the return on investment?
The most expensive mistake is buying a machine that the factory then doesn't know how to use or doesn't want to. That's why we want the manufacturing director to spend the night in Valencia. You can't evaluate a technological solution in a four-hour visit. If we can get the technical staff to test the machinery, analyze its performance, and validate the investment, the final decision will be much more solid. We are working on specific measures to facilitate these stays and align the entire team with the investment.
Faced with a labor shortage, what solutions are setting the trend?
Complete automation. We're no longer talking about isolated machines, but about intelligent lines that connect design and production through automated warehouses. The goal is for the material to go through the entire process—cutting, machining, drilling—without manual intervention. Furthermore, after-sales service is evolving toward remote models. Online training and remote monitoring allow for reduced costs and improved efficiency. For the customer, this translates into fewer stoppages and lower maintenance costs.
The November election has sparked debate. Why that date?
November and the end of the year are when purchasing decisions are made for the following year. This also allows us to secure the best pavilions, access, and logistics. And that, for an event of this nature, is crucial. Valencia remains the most professional and convenient option for the sector.
What does a professional miss out on by deciding not to attend FIMMA 2026?
It's being left out of the technological ecosystem. The trade fair is the only place where you can see the reality of the solutions, compare suppliers, and understand the true impact of automation. Not attending means missing out on key tools for future competitiveness.
What are the pillars of the next edition?
FIMMA 2026 is structured around three main pillars: expansion into new markets, technological advancements, and the promotion of timber construction. These are the factors that will determine the sector's competitiveness in the coming years.
How are these themes implemented at the fair?
In terms of internationalization, we are focused on North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Part of the budget will be allocated to facilitating the stay of international buyers, positioning Valencia as a connection point between markets.
In technology, we are witnessing a shift from hardware to software. Today, between 30% and 40% of R&D investment is allocated to software development. The machine is the support for an intelligent system based on connectivity and real-time monitoring.
And finally, timber construction will be one of the major players. Not only as an emerging sector, but also as a diversification strategy for traditional companies seeking greater added value.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
