The Ukrainian furniture industry has largely regained its pre-war output, valued at $1–1.2 billion in 2024, despite a 30% reduction in workforce to around 106,000 employees. Productivity has risen sharply, with output per worker increasing by 70% from $2,100 to $3,600 per month, driven by technological and organisational innovations.
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Top manufacturers, responsible for over 80% of official production and exports, have implemented robotic welding, edge banding, painting, and packaging systems, alongside automated warehouses and ERP management. Lean management philosophies, inspired by Japanese systems, have improved process efficiency, transparency, and employee motivation. Salaries have increased significantly, with the average in leading companies reaching 18,149 UAH per month, reflecting a 69% rise since 2021.
The sector has also seen a notable shift in workforce demographics. Female employees now represent a substantial share of production staff, particularly in roles previously dominated by men, such as metal furniture manufacturing. Companies are investing in specialised training, lean-based workflow adaptation, and motivational systems to retain and upskill employees.
Manufacturers including Accord-Import, Pavlik-M, Lamella, and Mebli Tokabo have combined automation, process unification, and export-focused strategies to increase productivity, reduce errors, and maintain quality. Investments in robotic systems have allowed firms to achieve up to threefold gains in production efficiency, demonstrating that post-war recovery is coupled with a "quiet productivity revolution" transforming Ukraine's furniture sector into a more technologically advanced and high-value industry.
Source: www.forbes.ua
