Portrait

Find out more about the origins and development of our association, which has been committed to woodworking technology since its foundation. Our aim is to create a strong community, promote sustainable solutions and actively represent the interests of our members. Together, we are shaping the future with passion, experience and clear visions.

Who are we?

The Association of Swiss Woodworking Machinery and Tool Manufacturers (VSHF) was founded in 1932. In 2003, the company was renamed “Holzbearbeitungstechnik Schweiz” (HBT Switzerland).

The objectives of the association have remained unchanged: HBT Switzerland supports and promotes the common interests of its members by cooperating with all organizations that are in any way connected with wood as a material. The association is a co-organizer of the regular HOLZ trade fair and is actively involved as a member of the European trade association EUMABOIS.

HBT Switzerland has around 70 member companies that focus on manufacturing high-quality, high-performance and technologically advanced products and offering corresponding services. Members can be natural or legal persons based in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein who develop, manufacture, have manufactured or distribute industry-specific products. These include in particular

  • Woodworking machines and tools
  • Plant engineering including transportation and storage systems
  • Process-supporting systems and components
  • Materials and semi-finished products
  • Fittings, auxiliary materials and accessories
  • Related IT and IT services

Services

HBT Switzerland offers a platform for the representation of common industry and member interests through the following activities:

  • Organization of Holzmesse Basel: Holzmesse Basel, Switzerland, takes place every three years in collaboration with the tecnoswiss dealer association. With around 350 exhibitors and around 35,000 visitors, it is one of the largest trade fairs in Switzerland.
  • Representation of interests: Safeguarding, promoting and representing the interests of HBT Switzerland and its members vis-à-vis authorities, industry associations and third parties.
  • Legislative process: Having a say in and influencing legislation as well as informing members about new legal framework conditions at national and international level.
  • Industry image: Maintaining a creative, future-oriented and attractive image of the woodworking and wood processing industry.
  • Fair competition: Promotion and maintenance of fair competition in the interests of the entire industry.
  • Services: Provision of qualified services to strengthen the market position of members.
  • Individual interests: Representation of the interests of individual members of relevance to the industry.
  • Exchange: Promoting, strengthening and maintaining an open exchange of information and experience among the members of the association.

Wood Fair Basel

Member benefits

The members of HBT Switzerland benefit ideally and materially from numerous association services. These include, among others:

Exemption from the membership fee as an exhibiting company at Holzmesse Basel

Significant discount on the m2 prices of Holzmesse Basel compared to non-members

Free company entries on the association website

Access to important industry and market information.

Wood Fair Basel

Become a member

Membership of HBT Switzerland brings many advantages.
We will be happy to send you the membership documents at your contact address.

Here you can find the statutes