The 2026 Millwork Equipment Trends Report, a comprehensive analysis of the economic, technological, and labor forces shaping equipment purchasing decisions, has been released by Würth Baer Supply’s machinery division, Würth Baer Machinery.
Drawing on federal economic data, academic research, industry surveys, and market reports, the study identifies a manufacturing sector that is becoming increasingly divided. Despite a slow-down in overall spending, manufacturers who have seen growth through 2025 are still committed to investing in technology that enhances productivity.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Only 39% of woodworking manufacturers plan to increase capital spending in 2026, while most equipment buyers expect to invest less than $250,000 over the next three years.
- Productivity, product quality, and process consistency have overtaken labor shortages as the primary reasons manufacturers invest in automation.
- Employee training has become the industry’s top planned investment priority, surpassing every machinery category.
- Made-to-order production continues to increase, strengthening the business case for CNC machining, nesting software, and digital manufacturing workflows.
