Insights from Håkan Johansson, Division Manager Asia
In May, Firefly will be exhibiting at LIGNA, one of the world’s largest and most important trade fairs for the wood industry. With companies from around the globe gathering in Hannover, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore new technologies shaping the future of wood processing.
We caught up with Håkan Johansson, Division Manager for Asia at Firefly, to talk about the upcoming exhibition, what Firefly will showcase, and why fire prevention is more relevant than ever in the wood industry.
Why is LIGNA an important event for Firefly?
“LIGNA is really one of the key exhibitions for us. The wood industry is one of Firefly’s most important customer segments, and LIGNA gathers stakeholders from across the entire value chain. For us, it’s a chance to meet customers, partners, and industry professionals from all over the world—in one place. It’s not just about showing what we offer, it’s about listening to the challenges the industry is facing and discussing solutions together.”
What can visitors expect to see at the Firefly booth this year?
“We’ll be showcasing our complete range of fire prevention and fire protection solutions for the wood industry. That includes our Spark Detection Systems, Quick Suppression Systems, and solutions specifically adapted to processes such as panel board production, pellet manufacturing, and woodworking industry. Everything we do is centered around early detection and fast response, because in this industry, time is of the essence.”
What are some of the key challenges in fire prevention in the wood industry today?
“The wood industry is high-risk by nature. You’re dealing with dust, high temperatures, fast-moving production lines, and highly combustible material. One ignition source in the wrong place can cause enormous damage. The challenge is to detect and minimize that risk before it turns into a fire or explosion. That’s where our systems come in. We help customers take control of the risk—before it becomes a problem.”
From your perspective in the Asian market, are there any particular trends you’re seeing?
“Definitely. In Asia, we’re seeing a strong push for modernization and automation, especially in countries like China and South East Asia. There’s also a growing awareness around safety and sustainability. More companies are investing in preventive safety measures as part of their overall quality and environmental strategies. It’s a shift that benefits everyone—workers, production uptime, and the environment.”
What are you most looking forward to at LIGNA 2025?
“Meeting people, hands down. It’s always exciting to talk to existing customers, hear about their experiences, and share updates. And of course, meeting new companies who might not yet know what Firefly can offer. There’s something powerful about face-to-face conversations—it’s where the best ideas and collaborations start.”
And finally, for someone visiting LIGNA for the first time—why should they stop by Firefly’s booth?
“Because we have something truly valuable to offer. If you’re in the wood industry and want to improve your safety, minimize downtime, and protect your people and production—come talk to us.
