DREMA 2024 a response to the challenges of the wood and furniture industry

The condition of the wood and furniture industry is negatively affected by, among others, post-pandemic threats and the armed conflict in Ukraine. The associated restrictions and market limitations have significantly reduced demand. The situation is further exacerbated by demographic changes, which deepen the shortage of qualified workers able to operate the latest machines and equipment. On top of this are the serious challenges related to climate change and environmental protection that companies will have to address.

Robotisation and Automation

The answer to the challenges faced by the wood and furniture industry is primarily the robotisation and automation of technological processes. This applies to both production and storage. ‘Therefore, indicating these two directions of development of the industry is a challenge for us, as the organiser of the leading European fair, and an attempt to show in a practical setting, solutions dedicated to both large and small plants,’ says Andrzej Półrolniczak, Director of the DREMA Fair.

The latest solutions in this area can be seen, among others, in the factory of the future, which will operate in the hall as part of the Drema Dzieciom (Drema for Children) project. It is not only a beautiful charity project organised by the Association of Producers of Woodworking Machines, Devices and Tools DROMA, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of the Poznań University of Life Sciences and Grupa MTP. It is also a presentation of the possibilities offered by cutting-edge technology. During the fair, together with our technological partner – Lazzoni Group – we will show how, on an area of 2,000 square meters, you can complete a technological line that allows you to produce furniture in a short-series system, but also in a flexible system – short and longer series. Production will include the processing of furniture boards, gluing narrow surfaces, packaging of components and elements, and preparation for shipment, including warehouse logistics. All this with the support of a system for designing structures and managing and monitoring production processes.

‘This is a unique presentation, not only because it takes place in exhibition halls, but also because it shows solutions that few companies in Poland still use,’ explains Director Półrolniczak. The furniture produced during the fair will be donated to the Municipal Nursery in Myślenice, Youth Educational Centres in Kętrzyn and Jastrowie.

Digital Carpentry Shop

‘We will show that robotisation and automation do not only apply to large furniture companies, but are also increasingly reaching small and medium-sized plants, as well as carpentry shops,’ says Director Półrolniczak. Last year's DREMA already proved how many auxiliary operations that were previously performed by employees in companies, such as loading or transporting products and raw materials within the plant, can be carried out with the use of robots. This year at the DREMA Trade Fair you will be able to see how industry problems can be solved in a compact and robotic way in small carpentry workshops. A special presentation space, i.e. Infotec’s innovative, modular, digital carpentry shop, will be designed to showcase compact, cost-saving solutions for small manufacturing plants. As part of the presentation of these solutions, it will also be possible to see how furniture can be produced on these devices in trade fair conditions. All products will be donated to the beneficiaries of the Drema Dzieciom campaign.

New products

New innovative products always enjoy greatest interest from visitors. As usual, there will be plenty of them at the exhibitor stands at DREMA 2024. Many companies take advantage of their participation in the largest supply fair for the wood and furniture industry in our part of Europe to make premiere presentations of their latest products intended for both large players in the wood and furniture industry and smaller woodworking plants. Many new products will also be available in the Furniture Trend Zone, which will present interesting technical solutions, current design trends and the best selling products in the area of furniture accessories, materials and semi-finished products.

Among the large number of new products, 12 products that were awarded the MTP Gold Medal this year are certainly worthy of special attention:

• ProNest+ Machining Centre – SERON Sp. z o. o. Sp. k.
• N-POL Cutting Tools / N-POL Krzysztof Noga
• BIZON Nailers with JUMBO v3 Magazine – BizeA Sp. z o.o.
• Z-LASER ZQ1-MagicLine Laser – Z-LASER Gmbh / PENNY GONDEK Sp. z o.o.
• LDG-3000 KOMBI Pellet Production Line – Technomaszbud Sp. z o.o.
• Morgan Ply1 – Morgan Tecnica SpA / TEX SYSTEM Sp. z o. o
• NiRo – Premium Clamping Bracket – Leitz GmbH & Co. KG / LEITZ POLSKA Sp. z o.o.
• STRIEBIG EDITION 60 Vertical Saw – Striebig AG / Otto Martin Polska Sp. z o. o.
• PWR 432 Double-Shaft Multi-Disc Saw – TOS SVITAVY a.s. / PENNY GONDEK Sp. z o.o.
• CNC 2030 AUTO Milling Plotter – POLISH CNC GROUP Damian Laskowski
• PCD Scoring Saw for Panel and Sliding Table Saws – ITA TOOLS Sp. z o.o.
• TTA-450 Circular Saw (for cutting logs) – AMIX WIECZOREK Sp. K.

 Read more about the awarded products >>>

Technologists Forum

Modern machines require new competencies and skills of employees. This year, for the first time, we are organising events addressed to technologists from the wood and furniture industries. A special zone in Hall 6 will host lectures on topics related to the robotisation of production processes. In this zone, technologists will be able to meet and exchange their experiences in the implementation of modern technologies.

Meetings of architects and designers will also be organised here to discuss trends in interior design, furniture and wood products. New professions and professional qualifications will also be promoted and implemented within the Industry Skills Centres. There will also be journeyman and master examinations for the parquet flooring profession.

Sustainable Development Zone

This year's DREMA programme takes into account the needs of entrepreneurs who will soon be faced with the need to implement ecological and socially responsible solutions. In Hall 5 we have created a space dedicated to companies that are looking for support in implementing the principles of socially responsible business and sustainable development into their organisations.  The zone will host meetings with institutions and companies supporting entrepreneurs in implementing ESG for business, presentations of innovative products created in line with the values of sustainable development, as well as discussions and consultations related to introducing the idea of sustainable development for enterprises.

In the zone, apart from the coworking space and the thematic stage (lectures every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), you will be able to see practical solutions from invited companies. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration from the zone's partners.

DREMA FOREST – Plant thousands of trees with us!

While on the subject of ecology, it is worth mentioning that the 2nd edition of the 'Drema Forest' project will be held during the fair, the aim of which is to plant thousands of trees in areas of Poland affected by a natural disaster. This year’s activities will be carried out in cooperation with the implementing partner Posadzimy.pl – a professional organiser of tree planting campaigns as part of CSR activities.

During the event, each fair guest will be able to sign up to participate in the project by providing their contact details, and in return – on their behalf – one tree will be planted during the autumn finale of the campaign. Each participant will also receive an individual certificate. The project aims to promote the idea of sustainable development in the wood and furniture industry and, as a result, contribute to the renewal of valuable natural resources used by our industry.

Congresses and Meetings

As usual, the DREMA Trade Fair will be accompanied by a rich programme of events: conferences and discussion panels on the current market situation and the automation and mechanisation of production processes in the spirit of Industry 4.0. On the eve of the fair, another edition of the KOOPDREW Timber Industry Congress will be held. This international conference organised by the Polish Chamber of Commerce of the Timber Industry will focus on opportunities and threats for the forestry and timber sector in the coming years. Experts from Poland and abroad will present how to cope with current challenges and prepare solutions to protect domestic companies.

The participants of the 9th National Furniture Congress, organised by the Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers, will discuss the prospects for the furniture and wood industries, and the challenges related to supplying the industry with wood raw materials. The event will take place on 11 September 2024. Participants will discuss directions of change, upcoming challenges and development strategies in the industry. The theme of the 5th Meeting of Women Associated with the Furniture Industry (12 September) is 'Success, Passion, Development and Challenges'.

It is also worth visiting the Parquet Flooring Zone prepared by the Polish Parquet Flooring Association, where workshops and parquet training courses will be held, as well as lectures by experts on the latest trends in the parquet industry.

DREMA for DIY Enthusiasts

A large part of the exhibition is devoted to woodworking, hand tools and power tools. This is a treat not only for professionals, but also for DYI enthusiasts. With them in mind, DREMA Hobby and the Knowledge Zone prepared by drew.pl will be created. In the DREMA Tools zone you will be able to see the latest solutions in woodworking tools, including circular saws using the highest quality PCD inserts, sharpened using laser ablation technology.

There will also be an opportunity to watch the work of experienced carpenters. As part of the Renovation Action at the fair, you will be able to observe the process of renovating a historic piece of furniture live. Professionals from the Narzędzioholicy.pl group, headed by Mariusz Płoński, will restore the original condition of the antique dressing table during the 4 days of the fair. The demonstration zone, where professional renovators will work, will be available to viewers in Hall 3.

The Polish Nail Hammering Championships and the Polish Father & Son 'Next Generation' Championships, taking place at Drema as part of the Parquet Flooring Days, will provide plenty of excitement. Representatives of the Parkieciarze Group will be on duty all day long and will answer questions regarding the professional installation or renovation of wooden floors. And the exhibition of works awarded in the Conjured in Wood competition will showcase the craftsmanship of the youngest carpentry apprentices.

Tickets for Professionals

People professionally involved in the wood or furniture industry have free admission to all four days of the fair – just go to www.tobilet.pl, select the DREMA 2024 fair, register and collect your ticket. More information about tickets>>>

Tickets purchased online entitle you to free use of public transport in Poznań on the day the ticket is valid.

What? DREMA International Trade Fair of Machines and Tools for Wood and Furniture Industries

Where? MTP Poznan Expo

When? 10-13 September 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (on 13 September to 4:00 p.m.)