Poland's furniture industry entered 2025 under severe pressure, but the deeper problem extends beyond weaker demand. According to industry consultant Wiesław Kalinowski, the sector is confronting a structural failure in how many companies plan production, manage costs, price products and control cash flow.
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He argues that years of favourable conditions, including low labour costs and strong export demand, masked weak management foundations. As those advantages faded, many manufacturers were left exposed by unstable planning, fragmented data, poor operational controlling and excessive dependence on volume rather than profitability.
The report identifies recurring problems across the sector: reactive production systems, weak cost allocation, bloated product portfolios, poor stock discipline, underpriced contracts and sales strategies driven by turnover instead of margin. It also highlights a tendency to invest in machinery while neglecting process design, accountability and integrated systems.
Kalinowski argues that this is not simply a market downturn but a "crisis of management". He says companies that introduce tighter planning, operational controlling, disciplined product strategies and data-led commercial decisions still have a chance to rebuild competitiveness.
For Poland's furniture industry, 2025 marks a decisive turning point: adapt structurally or risk further erosion in an increasingly demanding international market.
Source: www.biznes-meble.pl
