Hexion and Smartech Unveil SmartQuality to Revolutionize Wood Panel Manufacturing

Hexion and Smartech Debut SmartQuality for Advanced Wood Panel Manufacturing

In recent developments at LIGNA 2025 in Hannover, Germany, Hexion, a global leader in adhesives and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the wood panel manufacturing industry, announced the unveiling of SmartQuality, a cutting-edge platform that promises to enhance the efficiency and quality of wood panel production. This innovative product, developed by Hexion’s autonomous manufacturing division, Smartech—acquired in 2024—addresses a long-standing challenge in the industry, allowing manufacturers to balance between production speed and product quality.

Hexion's SmartQuality incorporates real-time data analytics, enabling plant operators to make informed decisions during the manufacturing process. This state-of-the-art system provides operators with live insights into board quality, leading to a potential increase of up to 3% in line speed. The system's effectiveness is further amplified when combined with other Smartech solutions. Notably, SmartQuality continuously learns from each board produced, which not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures product consistency over time, tailored to the specific production lines of each customer. By empowering operators with real-time data, SmartQuality enhances quality control, optimizes board quality, and minimizes raw material usage.

Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion, remarked, “With SmartQuality, we redefine the possibilities in wood panel manufacturing by leveraging AI solutions to drive faster, more precise, and sustainable operations.” This technological advancement marries data intelligence with cutting-edge material science, generating actionable insights that can transform manufacturing plants and enhance overall operational performance.

The launch of SmartQuality at LIGNA 2025 highlights Hexion's strategic evolution from a mere supplier of materials to a comprehensive partner providing differentiated solutions. According to Hanoch Magid, CEO of Smartech, “SmartQuality represents another pivotal step in Hexion's strategic transformation. We're moving beyond traditional manufacturing frameworks to integrate AI into industrial chemistry and manufacturing, setting the stage for another century of market leadership, operational excellence, and innovative services that challenge the status quo.”

Founded in 2005, Smartech has established itself as a leader in AI-based manufacturing solutions, serving clients across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company’s innovative tools are relied upon by top-tier clients worldwide, revolutionizing conventional manufacturing processes while setting new benchmarks in digital automation.

As Hexion, with a storied history of over 150 years, embraces this new era of collaboration-focused models, it integrates AI to foster sustainable practices that conserve natural resources and confront climate change challenges. Hexion remains dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that align with modern manufacturing needs and environmental considerations.

For more details about SmartQuality and Hexion's presence at LIGNA 2025, visit www.hexion.com/ligna.

Hexion continues to serve diverse sectors including construction, agriculture, energy, automotive, and infrastructure protection with high-performance adhesive solutions and materials. Explore more at www.hexion.com.

Meanwhile, Smartech is committed to providing innovative AI solutions, empowering manufacturers globally and helping them reach new levels of operational excellence. To learn more about Smartech, visit www.smartech.com.