ITALY – According to a recent survey carried out by CSIL on a sample of European manufacturers, the penetration of acoustic solutions in the office furniture business is expected to expand significantly during the next years.

SWEDEN – The Nobia Group, one of the main global kitchen furniture manufacturers, reported sales of SEK 3,251 billion, an improvement of more than 20% compared to the same period last year.

U.S. – HNI Corporation announced sales for the first quarter ended April 4, 2015, of $523.5 million, a consolidated net sales increased $71.3 million or 15.8 percent.

GERMANY – In 2014 the German kitchen manufacturer Häcker for the first time surpassed the mark of € 400 million in sales.

CHILE – Furniture manufacturer Silcosil has sued board manufacturer Masisa and its subsidiary Masisa Components Spa before Chile’s Court of Defense of Free Competition (TDLC) accusing them of “acts contrary to free competition”.

BOLIVIA – On March 11th Marelli opened a new showroom in Bolivia, located in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

COLOMBIA – In contrast with the performance of total Colombian exports during 2014, which were down 6.8% during the year, exports of modular furniture by the main exporting companies were up 9% in 2014 reaching USD 15.29 miilion (2013: USD 14.02 million).

DENMARK – Tvilum invested in a fully automatic foil wrapping system that dramatically increases their capabilities and meets the increasing demand for U and L-shaped edge profiles and finishes.

GERMANY – IMA Klessmann GmbH has signed a EUR 8.5 new machinery contract with Häcker Kitchen, one of the largest kitchen manufacturers in Germany.

U.S. – HNI Corporation announced sales for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2015, of USD 646.7 million and net income of USD 7.1 million.  For fiscal year 2014, the Corporation reported sales of USD 2.2 billion and net income of USD 61.5 million.

U.S. – IKEA announced it is submitting final plans to the City of Joliet, IL that would advance the development of its previously approved Midwestern distribution center.

IKEA’s total sales in FY2014 (September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2014) increased by 5.9% from last year to EUR 28.7 billion. Together with the rental income from the shopping centers business, total revenue amounted to EUR 29.3 billion (+2.8%). The Group’s net income amounted to EUR 3.3 billion for the 2014 financial year.