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E-Commerce Drives Growth in Europe’s RTA Furniture Sector
ITALY – The ready-to-assemble (RTA) / flat-pack furniture sector continues to hold a major share in the European furniture market, accounting for more than 20% of total consumption on average. This growth is largely driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which...
Lowe’s Exceeds Expectations Despite Market Challenges in 2024
USA – Lowe's Companies, Inc., one of the largest global home improvement retailer, reported net earnings of USD 1.125 billion for the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025, a 10.3% increase from USD 1.020 billion in the same period last year. Total sales for the...
SCM Unveils Cutting-Edge Solutions at Ligna 2025
ITALY – At Ligna 2025, SCM Group will mark its 50th anniversary at the world’s leading woodworking trade fair, solidifying its position as a global industry leader. With a strong focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, SCM will present a variety of solutions...
Dorel Restructures Finances with Key Deal
CANADA – Dorel Industries Inc. , a leader in North American furniture manufacturing, has entered into a sale-leaseback transaction involving its factory and warehousing facility in Columbus, Indiana, to improve its financial standing. The sale will generate USD 30...
Surteco Unveils Sustainable Edgebands
PORTUGAL – Surteco, a global leader in surface technology, has announced the launch of Circular Edge, a new line of sustainable polypropylene (PP) edgebands designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly materials in the furniture industry. Based on the widely...
Mexico and Colombia Drive Chile’s Particleboard Export Growth in 2024
CHILE – Chilean particleboard (MDP) exports experienced an important increase in 2024, reaching USD 123.08 million, a 22.6% increase compared to the previous year. The growth was driven primarily by strong demand in key markets such as Mexico, Colombia, and the United...
Siempelkamp Joins Maschinenraum to Drive Transformation
GERMANY – In January 2025, Siempelkamp became the first company to join the Maschinenraum ecosystem this year, a network supporting family businesses in addressing key transformation challenges. As a leading technology supplier in machine and plant engineering,...
The Home Depot Reports 2024 Results
USA – The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the world, reported sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 of USD 39.7 billion, marking an increase of USD 4.9 billion, or 14.1%, from the same period in fiscal 2023. Comparable sales grew by 0.8%,...
Arauco’s 2024 Performance Marks Significant Improvement
CHILE – Arauco, the Chilean forestry and wood products company, reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, showing notable growth in sales and profitability. In 4Q-2024, Arauco achieved sales of USD 1,661.6 million, a 5.9% increase...
RTA Furniture Industry Pioneer Dies
USA – Paul S. Bush, the visionary founder of Bush Industries, Inc., and a prominent figure in the American Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) furniture industry, has passed away. Born on May 5, 1936, in Olean, NY, Bush’s life was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication...
Arauco will invest in a 39-megawatt thermal power plant in Argentina
ARGENTINA – Arauco Argentina is developing an investment of over USD 250 million to modernize its pulp mill in Puerto Piray, Misiones. The project includes the installation of a new 39-megawatt turbo generator, which will initially supply power exclusively to the...
Sonae Arauco signs a EUR 200 million sustainability-linked loan
PORTUGAL – Sonae Arauco, one of the world’s largest wood-based solutions companies, has secured a EUR 200 million Sustainability-Linked Loan. The financing is based on sustainability targets for 2029, including a 9.3% increase in recycled wood use and a 59% reduction...
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Slight Increase in Spanish Furniture Exports in 2024
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)...
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...
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...
Fitecma 2025 with Record Number of Exhibitors
ARGENTINA – Fitecma 2025, the main Argentinian trade show for the wood and furniture industry, has reached a record by selling out its entire exhibition space five months ahead of the event, a milestone that hasn't occurred in the past 10 editions. "In January,...
VDMA Forecasts 15% Decline for Woodworking Machinery in 2024
GERMANY – After a record woodworking machinery production of EUR 4.2 billion in 2023, the VDMA (Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) has revised its 2024 forecast, predicting a 15% decrease, bringing production to EUR 3.6 billion. This marks a downward...
Ingka and Green14 Colaborate in Sustainable Silicon Production
SWEDEN – Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group—the world’s largest Ikea retailer—has committed EUR 2 million to Swedish innovation company Green14, aiming to support more sustainable silicon production and secure critical raw materials for a renewable...
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