The newly elected office bearers of IWTMMA (L-R) Secretary Raghavendra N.K., Treasurer Satyan Thukral and President Gopi Teerthagiri.

The Indian Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers and Traders Association (IWMMTA) made a powerful impact at IndiaWood 2025, marking a significant step forward in its mission to advance the woodworking industry in the country.

With a strategic blend of leadership transition, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging sessions, IWMMTA members reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, collaboration and industry-wide progress.

The association commenced its IndiaWood 2025 journey with its annual general meeting (AGM) on March 5th. It provided a platform for industry leaders to review past achievements, address current challenges, and lay down a strategic roadmap for the future.

Elections were also held for new office bearers. The following will now spearhead IWMMTA’s initiatives in the coming year: the President is Gopi Theerthagiri, Managing Director, Woodtech Consultants; the Secretary is Raghavendra N.K, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant with Pensare Solutions; and Treasurer is Satyan Thukral, CEO of Caple Industrial Solutions.

On March 7th, IWMMTA actively participated in a panel discussion on ‘Responsible Sourcing in the Age of EUDR. Gopi Theerthagiri shared valuable insights on how the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is reshaping global trade; compliance strategies for Indian woodworking manufacturers; the role of technology in ensuring traceability and sustainability, and why collaboration between machinery suppliers and furniture manufacturers is key to meeting international standards.

‘Furniture ka baadshah’

March 8th witnessed IWMMTA’s Flagship Programme at IndiaWood, a blend of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and interactive engagement, designed to highlight key industry trends, challenges and opportunities. Gopi Theerthagiri emphasized the significance of IndiaWood as a platform that has brought the woodworking industry together for 25 years.

The highlight of the daylong programme was a skit, titled ‘Furniture Ka Badshah: India’s Quest for Global Glory’. The key performers and their roles were:

•        Govind Assudani (CEO, IMA Schelling India) as ‘Govinda Sarkari’, a composed bureaucrat representing policy and governance

•        Gopi Theerthagiri as ‘Maqbool Machinewala’, a flamboyant businessman symbolising machinery suppliers

•        Raghavendra N.K. ‘Bijli Kharidaar’ a passionate yet struggling furniture manufacturer representing buyers.

The performance used humour and satire to explore the struggles of Indian manufacturers in competing globally; the role of advanced machinery and technology in scaling operations; and how government policies and collaboration can drive India towards becoming a global furniture manufacturing hub.

With a new leadership team, progressive discussions, and innovative knowledge-sharing formats, IWMMTA’s presence at IndiaWood was a resounding success.

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