January 4, 2022 | Bill Esler
Atlanta, GA—Of all the inquiries that arise among attendees at the International Woodworking Fair, “What’s new at IWF?” is the most frequently asked.
One answer in a nutshell: the Challengers Award Entries. Every product, technology or solution entered is making its first appearance at an IWF show. Challengers Award Entries represent innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance wood manufacturing.
Twenty-one finalists in the competition will be announced in the weeks running up to opening day, and seven winners in the competition will be unveiled on the morning of August 23, opening day of IWF 2022.
Another way to find what’s new: click this link to see the 154 First Time Exhibitors booked for the show (click for the complete list).
Just a few examples from among these first-timers are new product brands, including two from that casegoods manufacturing hotbed, Jasper, IN: Robotic Solutions, a developer of robotic and automated materials handling systems, in Booth A10931; and Cabentry, a software company making its debut at IWF in Booth B4154.
Other new names among First-time Exhibitors are IMMCO, in Booth A10603, a Richmond, VA manufacturer of Uniflow hot melt drum unloaders and distributor of Meler gluing solutions; and Swiss firm Rollomatic, in Booth B4319, which has established its U.S. operations in Mundelein, IL, and offers Strausek cutting and grinding tools, among other offerings.
Also listed among First-Time Exhibitors are some familiar names, under new owners or distributor relationships, such as Gannomat-Akins, exhibiting in Booth B6553 now owned and distributed by Wurth Baer Supply; and Altendorf, which has established itself as an independent global brand, launching Altendorf Group America in 2019, exhibiting at IWF 2022 in Booth A10919. Altendorf has developed “Hand Guard” technology for its sliding table saws, a protection system that prevents serious injuries by instantly halting saw blade rotation upon skin contact.
Also booked for IWF 2022 is Huber Engineered Woods in Booth C2114. Huber is a name familiar for edgeband adhesives; this sister division supplies materials for construction and architectural interiors. And Web-Cab in Booth BC 1303 is exhibiting under its own banner for the first time. Its Production Coach technology distributed by RSA Solutions won a 2018 Challengers Award.
IWF 2022 opens Tuesday, August 23 and runs through Friday, August 26 at the Georgia World Congress Center. For more information or to register, visit www.iwfatlanta.com
International Woodworking Fair
Tuesday–Friday
August 25–28, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30313