A new analysis from Dansk Metal reveals that only one in three Danish furniture manufacturers has adopted robotics in production, raising concerns about the sector's long-term competitiveness.
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While 90% of the largest industrial companies in Denmark have embraced automation, only 25% of smaller firms in the furniture sector are using robotic technology. According to Dansk Metal, the gap stems from limited access to tailored solutions and investment support, as many smaller manufacturers work with specialised, small-scale production processes.
Emil Drevsfeldt Nielsen, head of business policy at Dansk Metal, warned that 'if small businesses do not join the automation wave, we risk losing both competitiveness and jobs'. He emphasised the need for political action to improve access to funding, expert guidance, and employee upskilling, adding that 'for every time a robot is rolled out, a course must also be rolled out'.
The study, based on responses from 470 shop stewards, indicates that employees largely view automation as a positive step for efficiency and competitiveness. Without broader adoption, however, experts warn that Denmark's furniture industry may struggle to keep pace with its international rivals.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk
