SPAIN – Spanish furniture exports saw a 2.3% increase in 2024, reaching over EUR 3.1 billion. France remains the top destination, accounting for 26% of exports, though it saw a 2.8% decline. Portugal (+4.6%), Germany (+0.4%), Italy (+10.7%), and the Netherlands (+9%)...
German Furniture Industry Sales Fall 7.4% in 2024
GERMANY – The German furniture industry experienced a significant downturn in 2024, with total turnover dropping 7.4% to EUR 16.4 billion, according to official figures. Domestic sales fell 6.8% to just under EUR 11 billion, while exports (33% of total sales)...
EPF Appoints Matti Rantanen as Managing Director
BELGIUM – The European Panel Federation (EPF) has announced the appointment of Matti Rantanen as its new Managing Director, effective May 5, 2025. Rantanen will succeed Clive Pinnington, who has decided to step down at the end of June 2025. Rantanen, 40,...
New IMA Schelling Branch in Croatia
CROATIA – IMA Schelling Group, a leading machine and plant manufacturer for wood, plastic, and metal processing industries, has expanded its presence in Southeast Europe with the opening of a new branch in Zagreb, Croatia, on January 1, 2025. This move supports the...
Italy’s Woodworking Technology Impacted by Market Stagnation
ITALY – Italy’s wood processing and furniture technology sector faced significant challenges in 2024, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the lasting effects of the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, the sector struggled with the aftermath of unusually high...
Novopan Hosts Workshop to Define Design Trends
ECUADOR – Novopan, a regional leader in wood panel production and decorative surface design, held its annual Workshop Pelíkano, bringing together international architects, designers, and industry experts. The event, held on February 7, 2025, at Novopan’s headquarters,...
Ecuadorian Particleboard Exports Surpass USD 200 million in 2024
ECUADOR – Ecuador's particleboard (MDP) exports totaled USD 201.24 million in 2024, marking a slight increase of 1.5% compared to USD 198.26 million in 2023. The largest export markets for Ecuadorian particleboard remained Colombia, with exports rising 1.1% to USD...
Uniboard Receives USDA Biobased Certification
CANADA – Uniboard , a leading north American wooden panel manufacturer, has become the first North American decorative surfaces manufacturer to receive the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label for its Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF),...
Georgia-Pacific Invests USD 14 million in Plywood Mill Upgrades
USA – Georgia-Pacific is investing USD 14 million to upgrade its plywood mill in Prosperity, South Carolina, with a focus on enhancing mill operations and improving efficiency. A key element of the project is upgrading the existing boiler, which will increase...
List of Exhibitors for Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025 is Available
ITALY – The exhibitor list for Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025, set to take place from April 8 to 13 at the Milano Rho Fiera, is now available to the public. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the companies that will be showcasing their work at the...
IKEA Breaks Recruitment Record with 3,730 Applicants for London Store
UNITED KINGDOM – In just five days, Ikea received an overwhelming 3,730 job applications for its highly anticipated Oxford Street (London) store, setting a new record for the company. With 150 positions available, the response marks the largest-ever recruitment effort...
Cantisa Launches Innovative Super Flexible, Waterproof Wood Veneer
SPAIN – Cantisa has unveiled a groundbreaking wood veneer featuring an exclusive polyester coating that enhances flexibility, waterproofing, and durability. This new product is designed to meet the challenges of curved surfaces and high-humidity environments, offering...



