WEINIG, the wood sector in the age of automation

Can you introduce the German group WEINIG in a few words? WEINIG designs individual machines and complete production lines for the processing of solid wood and panels. Based in Tauberbischofsheim, it covers the entire value chain: from initial throughput to the manufacture of finished products (windows, parquet floors, construction timber, packaging).

Its offering is suitable for craftsmen and large industrial sites through two technological universes: The Solid Wood universe: chainsaws, edgers, scanners, jointers, moulders-profilers, sharpeners and CNC centers; The world of Derived Materials and Panels: cutting systems, edgebanders and CNC centers. Our French subsidiary provides complete technical support, from the installation of equipment to after-sales service (after-sales service), including the supply of original spare parts. What are the challenges of automation in the wood sector?

Firstly, automation helps reduce arduous work. In the wood industry, certain handling tasks (such as the transport of heavy loads) can be automated using suitable woodworking machines. This development affects the entire chain, from forest collection to industrial optimization and logistics transport management.

For example, scanners driven by artificial intelligence allow us to automate certain operations for our clients. To this gain in precision and efficiency is therefore added a saving of time, which allows employees to concentrate on tasks with higher added value. This transformation also concerns digital control.

As soon as the program is generated and integrated into the machine, then it can carry out several machining operations automatically: change the tools, reposition the part, chain the different steps… Beyond this gain in productivity, automation makes it possible to better exploit this noble and durable material that is wood. Our customers can thus offer more efficient products, manufactured at lower cost, and therefore strengthen their competitiveness. This issue allows companies in the sector to preserve their activity and their know-how in France.

Finally, automation represents an asset for attracting young talents. This automation is a consequence of the lack of qualified labor; it can also spark new interest in the profession. How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

WEINIG's strength lies in its in-depth knowledge of its customers' businesses and the materials worked. We are not only looking to respond to demand: we want to provide the most relevant and innovative solution. Wood requires specific skills and know-how, deeply rooted in WEINIG’s DNA.

The France subsidiary relies in particular on several historical entities recognized for their expertise. Another of our strengths is the breadth of the range offered. WEINIG France can cover all the stages and needs linked to wood processing.

Machine-translated from French