Sortilemn sells 70% of its output to IKEA

Sortilemn, one of the leading furniture producers on the domestic market, forecasts turnover worth 35 million euros this year, the same level as in 2007. Last year, the Gherla-based manufacturer's sales increased 30%. "Even though the furniture market is stable at the moment, a slight decrease is anticipated for the second half of 2008, so we estimate that this year's turnover will stand at 35 million euros, the same level as in 2007," Eugenia Hedesiu, marketing manager of Sortilemn told ZF Transilvania. Sortilemn, which exports 99% of its business, is one of Swedish company IKEA's established suppliers. "We now have contracts signed with IKEA for 70% of our total output. Sortilemn's clients also include Stokke (Norway), Brio and Elfa (Sweden), as well as other companies in Europe, US, Canada and Japan," explained Eugenia Hedesiu. Las t year, the company carried out an investment programme worth 2 million euros, which was directed towards equipment, infrastructure, upgrades, automation and personnel training. This year's investments will be aimed at technology and automation, environmental protection and quality management, as well as wood waste equipment. "Sortilemn's main rivals are producers in China. However, in order to eliminate such competition, our policy is to use green materials in the manufacturing process, and to develop a production capacity that will manufacture more furniture," added Eugenia Hedesiu.