October 20, 2009 BVV Press Center – The drop in the woodworking branch production was noted in particular in sawmills, where a considerable investment freeze took place. This situation will last until the time, when firms producing woodworking machines acquire important orders,” claimed Zdeněk Bezděk, President of the Union of Woodworking Machines and Equipment (SVDZ) at the opening of the fair.
The crisis also affects union members, a drop in demands for machines is high, the production was markedly restricted in some operations. “However, we have signals at present that the situation starts improving, for instance the exports of machines to Poland, but also to Germany and Western Europe have been increased. The WOOD-TEC Fair will present our new and innovated technologies to the visitors and could help overcome the present situation,” stated Bezděk. Based on him, the drop in sales of machines was noted in particular in summer months by as much as 50 %, now it is about 30 %, compared with the past years. Firms have solved the crisis and solve it by putting machines out of operation, in some cases of as much as 60 %.


“Joiner machines have been better sold, the situation is worse in case of primary and secondary woodworking machinery. In autumn a market revival took place, firms acquired more orders and started investing. We presume that at the end of this year and at the beginning of the next one, producers will sign new contracts,” added Bezděk. SVDZ was established in 1991 and now it associates 16 domestic firms and the Forestry and Woodworking Faculty MZLU. Is is member of the European association Eumabois, representing 13 national associations of woodworking firms which associate about 800 firms.