2024 was a year in which Koninklijke Ahrend further sharpened its strategic direction. Although consolidated revenue declined by 7% to €273.7 million, the company succeeded in delivering a healthy financial result. Thanks to a clear focus on core activities, expansion of sales channels, and the optimisation of the global supply chain, highlighted by the successful commissioning of the new Wood Hub in Prague, Koninklijke Ahrend managed to reduce costs and strengthen its gross margin. Recurring EBITDA increased slightly to €26.4 million, signalling the company's effective focus on improving both its commercial activities and operations, despite macroeconomic uncertainty.
Sustainability at the Core
In addition to financial resilience, Koninklijke Ahrend made significant strides in sustainability. CO₂ emissions from its own production sites and the vehicle fleet of employees and technicians (Scope 1 and 2) were reduced by 56% compared to 2018. Emissions resulting from the purchase of materials used in new furniture (Scope 3) were fully mapped in 2024. This now enables the company to work toward further reductions in the coming years.
Driven by growing demand for refurbished furniture and circular consultancy services both domestically and internationally, circular services saw strong growth. At the Circular Hub in Veghel, 66,740 pieces of furniture were refurbished. The company also launched the Ahrend Remode office chair and the Gispen WIZZ educational chair, each made of more than 70% recycled plastic.
© Koninklijke Ahrend
Rolf Verspuij, CEO of Koninklijke Ahrend, commented:
'We're seeing growing demand for circular furniture and services. We've anticipated this well by investing in the expansion of our Circular Hub in Veghel. To refurbish more efficiently and at scale, we are industrialising our refurbishment process. By investing in circular office environments, we can make a meaningful contribution to achieving climate goals, together with our clients.'
Looking ahead to 2025
International Growth Through Focus and Innovation
In 2025, Koninklijke Ahrend will continue implementing its strategic direction, with a strong focus on expanding its commercial network. Investments have been made in new showrooms in Manchester, Singapore, and Düsseldorf. The dealer network has grown in the Netherlands, Germany, and most recently in Switzerland, through a new partnership with Witzig.
Rolf Verspuij, CEO of Koninklijke Ahrend, said:
'We are proud of the international growth we're achieving by expanding our global sales channels. Our recent partnership with Swiss company Witzig enables us to bring our sustainable furniture collections to the Swiss market. We look forward to a successful collaboration.'
At the same time, service delivery and supply chain integration remain top priorities. Significant investments are planned in the ongoing digitalisation of the organisation, including the implementation of a new ERP system.
Accelerating circularity and climate action
In 2025, Koninklijke Ahrend will continue to strengthen its leadership position in circularity within the furniture industry. Investments have been made to expand the Circular Hub in Veghel, and refurbishment activities will be scaled up through the industrial refurbishment process at the St. Oedenrode site. In addition, the company is investing in greener energy usage at its international production facilities in Prague and Shanghai. Efforts are also underway to increase the share of recycled materials, such as steel, glass, and plastics, used in the design of new furniture.
More information:
Koninklijke Ahrend
www.ahrend.com