Do you want to be at the forefront of the forest products community? Are you ready to experience how adaptive technology is reshaping manufacturing decisions? Is your company poised to lead in the new era of manufacturing at this pivotal moment for the industry?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, don’t second-guess attending the 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition. It’s the place to network with leading equipment manufacturing companies and industry professionals as they develop and share technologies that adapt to new markets, adjust to increased demand and bolster operations for the future.
As the industry has become more efficient, typical EXPO attendees have evolved to include:
- key decision makers who control major purchasing budgets
- mill supervisors looking to improve efficiency
- marketing experts seeking promotional vision
- young professionals making tomorrow’s decisions
EXPO 2025, set for August 6-8, 2025, in Nashville, TN, offers solutions for nearly every stage of manufacturing. From raw material handling to crane operations; metal detection and scanning technologies; log optimization, drying, grading, sorting, packaging and distribution, there are equipment manufacturers onsite to explore these solutions with you face-to-face.
A Connected Community
The Southern Forest Products Association established EXPO to help advance the Southern Pine and greater lumber industry and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas contributing to improved sawmill efficiency.
The three-day show provides a place to connect and reconnect with colleagues, connect with vendors new and old and explore opportunities. Both first-time and returning attendees alike play a vital role in the continued progress of the lumber industry.
More importantly, EXPO provides a place where in-person meetings are valued over emails and phone calls; where a handshake and a smile between colleagues communicate genuine respect; and where sharing ideas is best accomplished face-to-face.
EXPO: A History Of Innovation
On April 19, 1950, leaders from across the Southern lumber manufacturing region gathered in New Orleans to open the first North American equipment trade event dedicated to improving lumber manufacturing.
More than 500 lumbermen attended and witnessed $1 million of equipment on display at the inaugural Logging and Sawmill Machinery Exposition (EXPO) held at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.
On February 26, 1952, almost two years after viewing debarking technology at EXPO, Southern Lumber installed the first stationary pneumatic debarker. The Andersson Log Barker proved to be a valuable investment at $28,700 and could debark logs up to 30 inches in diameter.
Two weeks after the installation, Southern Lumber hosted Southern Pine Association members so other lumbermen could study the machinery. By 1962, 16 Andersson debarkers had been installed in Southern sawmill operations, ushering in a widespread investment in sawmill operational efficiency.
There are equipment manufacturers onsite to explore everything from raw material handling to crane operations with you face-to-face.
A Place For Softwoods And Hardwoods
While the sawmill machinery show originated from leaders looking for a way to improve softwood lumber production, today’s EXPO showcases machinery and equipment for hardwood and softwood sawmills.
“Without a doubt, the hardwood lumber industry has long been represented at this show,” said SFPA Executive Director Eric Gee. “People come to EXPO with an exploration mindset, looking for opportunities to invest in their operations.”
A long list of manufacturers serving the hardwood industry have had a stalwart presence in EXPO for many years, including, but not limited to, companies such as Corley Manufacturing, Oleson Saw, SII Dry Kilns, McDonough Manufacturing, TS Manufacturing and Wood-Mizer.
Why Nashville?
Forest Products EXPO is returning to Nashville after the 2023 show for several factors, but, most importantly, it is positioned smack in the middle of the forest action.
The surrounding areas, including the Eastern U.S. hardwood community, represent 42 percent of all lumber manufactured in the United States. And in case you’re curious, Nashville is within easy driving distance for 35 percent of Southern Pine sawmills and 73 percent of hardwood sawmills. That’s just a four-hour drive from more than half of Southern sawmills!
With 766 million acres, forests comprise more than one-third of the entire U.S. landscape. Annually producing more than $100 billion in forest products, the South’s variety of tree species and yearlong harvesting make the region a first choice for mills that rely on an available, affordable supply of sustainable forest products – and Nashville is right in the center of it all.
EXPO 2025 will be held at the Music City Center (MCC) in downtown Nashville. Located in the middle of all the action, the MCC is the perfect home base for a fun-filled visit to Nashville.
The 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition provides a place to connect and reconnect with colleagues, meet with vendors new and old and explore opportunities.
It’s Time To Get Down To Business: Face-To-Face Is Back
For nearly 70 years, this association-sponsored trade event has successfully connected the lumber manufacturing community. EXPO has a longstanding reputation as the place where connections are formed, relationships are strengthened and deals are closed.
The forest products manufacturing community knows EXPO is the place to get up close to the materials, resources, equipment and technology they need now.
What are you waiting for? Plan your experience today at www.sfpaexpo.com!
