Headlines
Aglomerados Cotopaxi Boosts Energy Autonomy with New Generators
ECUADOR - In response to energy challenges in Ecuador, Aglomerados Cotopaxi has implemented an advanced self-generation system that covers 45% of its daily power needs, enhancing operational continuity and sustainability. In July, the company imported state-of-the-art...
More Than 93% of interzum 2025 is Booked
GERMANY - Interzum 2025 is already over 93% booked, emphasizing its status as the premier trade fair for furniture production and interior design. Scheduled to take place from May 20-23 in Cologne, this year’s event is witnessing robust international demand, with...
Ingka Group Completes Full Acquisition of Ikano Bank AB
NETHERLANDS - Ingka Group, the largest retailer of Ikea, has successfully completed the full acquisition of Ikano Bank AB after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. This acquisition makes Ingka Group the sole owner of Ikano Bank, allowing it to enhance its...
Madecentro Announces Exclusive Alliance with Kronospan
COLOMBIA - Madecentro, a leading company in Colombia's wood and furniture industry, has announced an alliance with Kronospan, the top global manufacturer of melamine boards. Starting October 22, Kronospan's products will be exclusively available at Madecentro's 222...
Brazil: MDF/HDF production capacity exceeds 8 million cubic meters
BRAZIL - In 2023, Brazil's installed production capacity for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and high-density fiberboard (HDF) reached a total of 8,055,000 cubic meters across 22 production lines. This capacity underscores Brazil's importance in the global wood-based...
Leadership Transition at Schattdecor North America
USA - With the announcement of Flavio Nunes’ return to Brazil, CEO since 2015, a new team of directors will assume management of the North American unit effective October 14, 2024 The board, which will be shared between David Sheehan, CEO (Sales, Design, Marketing and...
Hettich’s Innovative Fitting Recognized in Japan
GERMANY - Hettich's FurnSpin turn-and-swivel fitting has won the "Good Design Award 2024" from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). This is the seventh time Hettich has received this award since 2014. The "Good Design Award" is Japan's premier...
Neodecortech Recognized Among Best Managed Companies in Italy
ITALY - Neodecortech, based in Filago and a producer of decorative papers for wooden panels and flooring for interior design, has been recognized as one of the winners of the 2024 Best Managed Companies Award. This award is promoted by Deloitte Private, in...
PhoneAlone introduces product featuring Välinge’s Threespine
SWEDEN - PhoneAlone ApS, a Danish manufacturer of soundproof telephone booths, integrates Välinge Innovation's Threespine Click Furniture technology into its new product line. The company has quickly established its innovative booths in the European market, providing...
EU Council Delays Deforestation Regulation by One Year
BELGIUM - The European Council has reached a consensus to amend the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), delaying its implementation by 12 months. This extension allows third countries, member states, operators, and traders to adequately prepare for due diligence...
Nolan Pike Appointed President and CEO of Sauder Woodworking
USA - Sauder Woodworking, the world's largest manufacturer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, has announced the appointment of Nolan Pike as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 21, 2024. He succeeds Kevin Sauder, who is retiring after more than...
Dieffenbacher Acquires Pagnoni Impianti
ITALY - Effective October 7, 2024, Dieffenbacher , a leading German machine and plant manufacturer, has acquired the Italian family-owned company Pagnoni Impianti S.r.l., located in Aicurzio, about 30 kilometers northeast of Milan. The company will now operate under...
Current
Strong Growth in Colombian Decor Paper imports
COLOMBIA - Colombia's imports of decor paper for wooden panels have seen a strong increase in the first half of 2024 (6M-2024), totaling USD 11,056,148, a 42.1% rise compared to USD 7,781,687 during the same period in 2023. Brazil remains the largest supplier country,...
Spanish Furniture Sector Sees Stable International Sales in 6M-2024
SPAIN - International sales in the Spanish furniture sector remain nearly unchanged in 6M-2024 from the same period last year, showing a slight increase of 0.9%, totaling EUR 1.54 billion. Meanwhile, Spanish furniture imports have risen by 3.4% during the first half...
European Associations Call for Delay in EUDR Implementation
BELGIUM - On September 25, 2024, 29 European associations, including the European Panel Federation (EPF), the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), and the European Timber Trade Federation, released a joint statement urging a delay in the...
VDMA Lowers 2024 Woodworking Machinery Forecast
GERMANY – VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) Woodworking Machinery has retracted its forecast for 2024, expecting a 15% decline in production, down to EUR 3.6 billion in Germany. This follows a record EUR 4.2 billion in 2023. With 3,600...
Mixed Latam Plywood Imports Growth in 2023
COLOMBIA - Plywood imports in Latin America during 2023 have shown a mixed picture. Despite a slight decline in overall imports compared to 2022, some countries have experienced significant changes in their figures. According to data from Sisduan, total plywood...
Brazil Calls for EU to Reevaluate Deforestation Import Ban
BRAZIL – Brazil government authorities urge the European Commission to reconsider its anti-deforestation rules, which could impact its exports by nearly USD 15 billion. The EU's 2022 legislation bans imports from deforested areas after 2022, effective December 30,...
Mixed Results for Italy’s Wood-Furniture Sector in First Half of 2024
ITALY - The Italian wood-furniture sector has had a challenging start to the year, experiencing a sales contraction of 5.2% in the first half (6M-2024), affecting both the domestic market (6.0%) and the export market (4.1%). However, forecasts for the remainder of...