With sales of approximately €259.1 million, Sedus Stoll AG recorded year on year growth of 8.8% in 2023. This was well above the overall level of growth in its sector, which was up 0.6% compared to the previous year. At around €247.3 million, incoming orders for the year 2023 are also at a record level and are driving momentum for the business in 2024. 'Sedus Stoll AG grew profitably last year,' explains Daniel Kittner, Spokesman of the Board of Sedus Stoll AG.
'Our innovative and on trend approach to product development means we are uniquely placed to meet changing customer demands for new ways of working. This is reflected in Sedus Stoll Group's sales growth in 2023. Together with our network of dealers, we increasingly observe corporate cultures becoming more agile and adaptable in implementing change and major projects.'
The introduction of the new Futura 2 manufacturing facility at the firm's Geseke site in September 2023 has boosted its ability to meet peak workloads more quickly. The new automated panel cutting facility has reduced lead times and significantly accelerated a range of production processes. This means that the business is better placed to align its manufacturing capacity with the record sales growth of the past two years.
Fresh thinking for 2024
The most significant launches of the year so far have been themed around the idea of "Work and the City the temptation Office". A number of furniture solutions address the most current thinking on work in urban settings. 'In response to the growing desire for a better balance between work and private life, it is becoming increasingly important to design working environments that foster both productivity and wellbeing, and also help people to relax and take time out,' says Kittner. "Trends such as the increased digitalisation of work, more flexible working cultures and people being offered greater utonomy to plan their work are driving these changes. Sedus is addressing these developments with its New Arrivals 2023/2024."
A clear goal: climate neutral by 2025
The Sedus administration and production facilities (Scope 1 2) in Dogern and Geseke will be climate neutral by 2025. 'On our path to climate neutrality, we want to reduce our direct emissions by 30% by the end of 2025 and then a further 20% by 2030,' explains Kittner. 'In addition, we have identified further milestones for Sedus by 2025: Sedus will reduce emissions from its fleet by 20%, and by rethinking our energy needs, the use of primary energy will be reduced by around 60%. We plan to optimise packaging by around 15% and around 80% of the wood we use for our furniture production will be sourced from sustainable forestry by 2025.'
These ambitions are endorsed by external bodies, with Sedus receiving a Gold sustainability accreditation from EcoVadis. This rating means that Sedus is one of the 5% of companies worldwide that have been recognised for their social, ethical and ecological policies in pursuit of meaningful corporate social responsibility. Another certification is for social responsibility in the workplace. 'We are proud that Sedus is one of only 14 companies in Germany to be certified with SA8000,' says Kittner.
Looking ahead
Sedus has also confirmed that there will be two major product launch phases in 2024. The focus will continue to be on workplace megatrends related to new ways of working, digitalisation, and sustainability. 'By focusing on two launch phases this year, we are offering our customers and partners better ways to plan,' explains Kittner. 'The second launch phase will use Orgatec as a platform to present the working landscape as a dynamic ecosystem. This is an increasingly relevant and talked about idea in our fast changing world. With a stand of over 1,050 square metres, we will create an environment that allows people to experience innovation, not just observe it.'
More information:
Sedus
[email protected]
www.sedus.com