HOMAG machines offer today’s window producers a broad spectrum of possibilities: From the entry-level machine for mixed operation with a wide processing range of windows, doors and furniture components through to the powerProfiler BMB 900, HOMAG’s multitalent for up to 50 windows per shift to an extreme standard of CNC precision. This HOMAG processing center covers every conceivable performance category – no matter whether for windows, doors or upright and transom production. And the talents of this extraordinary “window machine” also extend to other products such as bed slat frames.

The benefits focus on three main aspects:

    High output due to simultaneous processing of two parts in the machine
    Automatic processing of parts with parapet dimensions from 170 mm to 3500 mm
    Fast resetting from automatic to manual mode: Processing arch components, two-dimensional parts and short components from a parapet dimension of 100 mm on the console table

This year's HOMAG Group Treff—the 24th HOMAG & HOLZMA Treff—was the most successful yet: The sales team used the platform of this industry event held in the Black Forest to great effect, sealing deals with companies from numerous countries around the world. The result: record incoming orders, unique in the history of HOMAG Treffs. There were two major orders among the incoming orders. The remaining orders were for individual machines and cells, both small and large, for use in sectors ranging from trade to industry.

Visitors from around the world — from Israel to Australia

The high level of interest and positive mood were also reflected in the visitor numbers at the best Treff for 24 years. In total, more than 4,000 visitors from around the world made their way to Schopfloch and Holzbronn. In addition to customers and prospective customers from the DACH region, a number of visitors also attended from countries such as China, Russia, the USA, Canada, Australia, Israel, Finland and Denmark, as well as countries in eastern Europe. Our colleagues from our Sales Companies and Sales Partners were also to thank for this success, some of whom traveled to the Black Forest with large visitor groups of up to 30 people. The presentations “By customers, for customers” (see Overview), workshops on themes such as “Woodworking Shop 4.0 — ready for the future with software and workshop organization” and the woodWOP user group with 60 participants were better attended than ever.

The HOMAG Group, the world's leading manufacturer of machinery and systems for the woodworking industry and trade, has continued to grow, recording strong demand for its products and solutions in the first half of 2017.

In the first six months of 2017, the world market leader's incoming orders increased by 33 percent to € 734 million (previous year: € 552 million). By June 30, 2017, the order backlog had reached € 542 million (June 30, 2016: € 354 million) and sales were up 13 percent to € 597 million (previous year: € 527 million). Operating EBIT rose by 47 percent to € 46.9 million (previous year: € 31.9 million). As at June 30, 2017, the HOMAG Group had 6,149 employees (previous year: 5,983 employees).

"Our encouraging start to 2017 continued in the second quarter, which means we had an excellent first half", highlights CEO Pekka Paasivaara. "We recorded strong growth in all regions. In China we increased our incoming orders by over 100 percent." CFO Franz Peter Matheis adds: "The disproportionately high rise in our earnings also shows that our numerous measures for enhancing efficiency and for standardizing our processes and systems are paying off."

Paasivaara is also pleased with the outcome of the LIGNA trade fair, which took place in Hanover at the end of May: "It was clear that our customers are increasingly tending toward digitization and automation, where we can already offer end-to-end solutions from a single source. And thanks to 'tapio', the open digital industry platform that we presented at LIGNA, we are all set to lead the entire woodworking industry securely into the digital future. In addition, customers have already confirmed that our concept to ensure digital data continuity from point of sale through the entire production process, based on our comprehensive software suite, is unique in this industry." With this in mind, the HOMAG Group is also optimistic about the future and expects 2017 to be a successful year as a whole.