Slovenian woodworkers strengthen their presence on the Austrian market

Slovenian forestry companies are strengthening their presence on the Austrian market through a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders in the wood and furniture industries. On June 19, 2026, the Association of Wood and Furniture Industry under the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (GZS) and the Forestry Guild announced key points regarding the upcoming 58th International Wood Fair in Celje, scheduled to take place from September 2 to 5, 2026. During this press conference, they formally introduced the Slovenian Day, set for September 4, 2026, and outlined plans for organizing a strong joint business delegation of Slovenian companies. This initiative aims to connect Slovenian businesses more effectively, enhance their visibility on the Austrian market, and create new opportunities for partnerships and business agreements. The delegation will be organized in collaboration with the Slovenian Association of Crafts and Entrepreneurs.

The Slovenian wood and furniture industry continues to show stability and consistent growth despite dynamic market conditions. According to data from 2025, companies in this sector employed 10,400 workers, generated €1.7 billion in revenue, and achieved a net profit of €72 million. The added value per employee exceeded €53,000, with annual growth rates hovering around five percent in recent years. The industry is increasingly focusing on digitalization, technological modernization, and products with higher ecological added value. A primary goal remains to process more Slovenian timber domestically into high-value final products. The Austrian market plays a crucial role in the successful placement of these products, given Austria’s traditional status as one of Slovenia’s most significant trading partners. The Alpine-Adriatic region naturally forms the economic backdrop for building resilient, local supply chains.

The International Wood Fair in Celje is recognized as the largest regional professional fair in Central and Southeastern Europe. This year, the event will cover over 50,000 square meters of exhibition space and host more than 500 exhibitors from approximately 20 countries, including five direct Slovenian exhibitors. Organizers expect over 21,000 professional visitors, many of whom will be decision-makers within companies. The fair covers the entire value chain—from sustainable forestry to solid wood—highlighting areas such as forest technology, where the latest machinery, solutions for digital forest management, and increasing importance of drones and professional safety equipment will be showcased. In the area of sawing technology, the Slovenian company WRAVOR, one of the largest producers of horizontal band saws, will conduct a world premiere of a new generation of saws. Another Slovenian company, Mebor from Železniki, will present numerous technical innovations and updates to its established band saw model HTZ 1000.

Beyond sawing and forestry, the fair will offer extensive segments in the areas of transport and logistics of wood, biomass energy, and environmental technology. The “Wood and Construction” section will span over 10,000 square meters and feature the latest systems for wooden construction, including the Austrian Federal Competition for Carpenter Candidates. For Slovenian participants, the central event will be the Slovenian Day on Friday, September 4, 2026. It will be co-organized by the Slovenian Business Association (SGZ) in Celje, with the program including official events, international business meetings, and the International Timber Trade Conference. These activities aim to provide a comprehensive platform for networking, showcasing innovations, and exploring potential collaborations.

The event underscores the growing importance of international trade fairs in promoting regional economic ties and fostering cross-border business relationships. The focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and high-value-added products reflects broader trends in the global wood and furniture industry. As Slovenia continues to position itself as a key player in European markets, initiatives like the International Wood Fair in Celje serve as vital conduits for enhancing visibility, securing partnerships, and driving long-term economic growth. With a well-coordinated approach involving industry associations, private companies, and government bodies, Slovenia is poised to leverage such platforms to reinforce its competitive edge in both regional and international markets.