The president of the FIMMA Organizing Committee advocates for FIMMA + Maderalia’s commitment to further professionalizing the visitor profile and improving the purchasing experience for its next edition, from November 10 to 13 at Feria Valencia.
Valencia, March 17, 2026.- The next edition of FIMMA + Maderalia will not only be a commercial showcase, but also the reflection of a profound transformation in the wood industry in Spain. This is how Santi Riera, president of FIMMA —International Fair of Machinery and Tools for Wood— and a long-standing entrepreneur in the sector through his company Rierge, presents it, positioning the event as a response to two major challenges in the sector: labor shortages and digitalization.
In a context where technology has ceased to be a complement and has become the axis of profitability, Riera highlights the role of the fair as a turning point: “FIMMA 2026 will decisively contribute to achieving a more automated, efficient, and competitive industry.” Among the main innovations, he emphasizes the strategy to attract technical profiles—manufacturing directors and production managers—and not only executive profiles. The objective is clear: to improve decision-making in machinery purchasing. To this end, the fair will encourage these professionals to stay in Valencia, promoting a more in-depth analysis of technological solutions.
Given the volatility of the global market, how is contracting evolving for 2026 and what does it indicate about the sector’s confidence?
Contracting is progressing at a faster pace than in previous editions, reflecting notable stability. We are growing both in the number of exhibitors and in occupied space. A key indicator is the return of Italian companies, whose presence confirms that FIMMA is a thermometer 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 does this impact return on investment?
The most expensive mistake is buying a machine that the factory later does not know how or does not want to use. That is why we want the manufacturing director to stay overnight in Valencia. A technological solution cannot be evaluated in a four-hour visit. If we manage to get 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.
Given the shortage of labor, what solutions are setting the trend?
Total automation. We are 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. In addition, after-sales service is evolving toward remote models. Online training and remote control allow costs to be reduced and efficiency to be improved. For the client, this translates into fewer stoppages and lower maintenance costs.
The choice of November has sparked debate. Why that date?
November and the final part of the year is when purchasing decisions are made for the following year. It also allows us to guarantee the best pavilions, access, and logistics. And for an event of this nature, that is key. Valencia continues to be the most professional and convenient option for the sector.
What does a professional miss by deciding not to attend FIMMA 2026?
They remain outside the technological ecosystem. The fair is the only place where the reality of solutions can be contrasted, suppliers compared, and the true impact of automation understood. Not attending means giving up key tools for future competitiveness.
What are the pillars of the next edition?
FIMMA 2026 is structured around three major axes: expansion into new markets, technological advancement, and the promotion of wood construction. These are the factors that will shape the sector’s competitiveness in the coming years.
How are these axes implemented at the fair?
In terms of internationalization, we are focused on North Africa and the Mediterranean arc. 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 experiencing the 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.
Finally, wood construction will be one of the main highlights. Not only as an emerging sector, but also as a path for diversification for traditional companies seeking higher added value.
