French SMEs producing school furniture are experiencing their annual surge in activity as local authorities rush to replace classroom essentials before the new academic year. The sector, valued at €160 million in 2024, represents 16% of the national market for collective furniture, according to "Ameublement Français".
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Companies such as DPC in Deux-Sèvres and Mobidecor, the national leader, are running at full capacity, supported by seasonal workers and significant stockpiles. However, manufacturers face financial pressures from delayed tenders, tighter municipal budgets, and competition from lower-cost imports. "Our profitability was on the edge last year," said Mobidecor chief executive Romain Jacot, adding that demand remains strong but increasingly dependent on funding availability.
Sustainability is becoming a key focus, with firms investing in recyclable materials, non-toxic finishes, and repair services to extend product life. Yet these efforts often face pricing challenges against overseas competitors with fewer environmental constraints.
To offset slower school demand, manufacturers are diversifying into sectors such as media libraries and outdoor furniture, particularly for universities and higher education institutions. Despite political and economic uncertainty, many in the industry remain committed to local production and innovation, viewing these as essential to maintaining quality and long-term resilience.
Source: www.lesechos.fr
