The striking medieval tower of Santa Maria in Udine becomes the stage for the exhibition "Oh! Journey into the World of Wood Furniture," an event that brings to the forefront the excellence of the woodworking industry in Friuli Venezia Giulia. This event is not only a celebration of craftsmanship skills and woodworking techniques rooted in the past, but a manifestation of the innovative capacity and growth potential of the industry in the region.
Organized by Confindustria Udine, the exhibition is designed as a catalyst to stimulate innovation and attract new investment in the wood-furniture sector. A commitment that results in a unique opportunity for local companies to showcase themselves, share their experiences and create new synergies for future development.
In his opening message, Regional Councillor for Productive Activities, Sergio Emidio Bini, remarked on the importance of the wood sector to the economy of Friuli Venezia Giulia. He affirmed that wood represents a natural wealth that has enabled many local businesses to emerge, thanks to a mix of tradition and innovation, a combination that proves successful in the global competitive landscape.
Bini also stresses how the region must continue to support this sector, which not only enriches the area economically, but also helps preserve the environment through the sustainable use of forest resources. Encouraging sustainable production practices is a key step in securing the future of these industries and their contribution to the local economy.
The recent renovation of St. Mary's Tower, completed in 2022, provided the ideal space to host an exhibition that expresses the visually extraordinary character of wood and its derivatives. The new layout pays homage to the tower's history, interweaving historical and modern elements that enhance the products on display, emphasizing how tradition can blend harmoniously with innovation.
The "Oh! Journey into the World of Wood Furniture" exhibition does not merely glorify the past. On the contrary, it places a strong emphasis on design and innovation, aiming to propel the wood industry into a future in which creativity and advanced technologies play a leading role. This approach reflects the vision of Luigino Pozzo, president of Confindustria Udine, who argued during the opening of the event for the importance of focusing on business and innovation.
Pozzo said that in the current context, it is essential for companies to engage in a path of transformation that embraces technological change and new market trends. The goal is to keep the industry competitive and prepare it for new challenges through continuous skills improvement and a more open approach to cross-sector collaboration.
The exhibition serves as the starting point for a wide-ranging dialogue on how design and innovation can be key levers for an economic renaissance that respects historical roots but leans confidently into the future. In this way, the event stands not only as a showcase of the best achievements of the wood industry, but also as an invitation to imagine new paths of growth and development, in tune with the needs of an ever-changing market.
