It has been an action-packed couple of days at the LIGNA machinery show in Germany. The speed at which technology is advancing in the woodworking industry is both exciting and a bit daunting. Many robotics and AI solutions are being adopted, particularly in areas such as sanding, storage, and assembly. 

One impressive highlight was an AI-enhanced CNC machine on display, which allowed users to interact directly with the machines via Chat. For instance, you could explain a request, such as creating a replacement gable for a previous order, and the machine could just do it without sending a program instruction. Or even ask it for performance stats etc.

Some great banter was had on the familiar Combilift stand as we witnessed a bit of expert haggling take place between Monaghan (Martin McVicar) and Galway (Derek Deane)...not sure who won out, time will tell:). It is certainly impressive to see Combilift fly the flag at such a landmark show. A special thanks to Martin and for the warm welcome. 

In the picture, from left to right....Damian Rafferty, Patrick Kelly, Niall O Kane, Colm McElhinney, Derek Deane, Martin McVicar, Adrian Deane, Gareth Sherry

PS - Don't forget the Irish Night on Wednesday 28th, in the Dublin Inn hosted by Maginn Machinery and IWIN.

Host Over 20 Companies For A Factory Tour

January 20, 2026
We were delighted to host over 20 companies for a factory tour, discussion on exporting with Gareth Sherry of IWIN , and for a presentation + meet and greet with John Kiely Limerick hurling manager. Congratulations to our team for putting this together. Thank you to all of our visitors and contributors. We look forward to further progression on export cluster discussions over the coming weeks and months. Carnehill Joinery Ltd , Carroll Joinery Ltd , Woodfit - Joinery and Acoustics , Truwood Ltd. , Topform Ltd , Timeless Sash Windows , Western Postform Limited , MFM Joinery , GEM Joinery , W.Howard Kildare , Mivan Ltd , Simon O'Keeffe Pembroke Alliance , Vision Creative Studios , Loughnanes Joinery , Canavan Joinery Services Ltd , Tretzo Aidan McKenna

(NBMDA) Distributors’ Event

By Gareth Sherry • January 20, 2026
What an amazing week we had in Chicago! Myself, Eoin Ryan from The Galtee Group , and Damian Woods from W.Howard 'The MDF Specialists'​ attended the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) distributors’ event, with over 1,000 delegates present. I had the privilege to do a presentation on behalf of the Irish Wood & Interiors Network ( IWIN ), showcasing the expertise and capabilities of our member companies. I also shared our collaboration with Cieblink , who are launching a Product Information Management (PIM) software we are starting to implement in the network. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with dozens of prospective buyers, build key relationships, and generate leads for future business. We were lucky to be hosted by industry experts Freya Hannah (Cieblink) and David Smith from The David Smith Group, who introduced us to many of the top buyers/distributors in the US and Canadian markets. The event was packed with key figures from the North American and Canadian building materials supply industry, particularly woodworking products and sheet materials—a perfect fit for our network. We also had some great experiences exploring Chicago, including seeing 9-time Grammy winner, Buddy Guy, perform live—an unforgettable night! We toured the city and had a productive meeting with David O'Flaherty of Enterprise Ireland USA , who shared that Chicago is home to 200,000 Irish diaspora, 25,000 of whom are in construction—highlighting the strong cultural ties and opportunities for Irish suppliers in this market. The US is open for business—with trade from China down, buyers are actively looking for alternatives. For Irish companies ready to supply, there’s a real chance to make an impact. It was a smashing week, and we’re excited for what’s ahead! Thank you to Frederic Pare and Freya Hannah for the invitation to the event, and to Michael Wilbur for hosting such an excellent gathering.