Upskilling and Reskilling, Trade
13.03.2025
The Ukrainian furniture industry is making significant strides in improving production efficiency and expanding its global presence, thanks to the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers (UAFM) and the support of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO). Through targeted training programs, Ukrainian furniture companies are refining their manufacturing processes and strengthening their readiness for international exhibitions. 

LEAN School: Enhancing Production Efficiency

In a major step toward optimizing manufacturing practices, 40 representatives from 14 furniture companies have embarked on an intensive offline training program at the LEAN School. This initiative, led by UAFM with SIPPO’s support, focuses on implementing lean manufacturing principles to boost efficiency and reduce waste. 

The program began with a two-day training session, where participants explored key LEAN concepts such as strategy development, leadership roles, Gemba Walking, the 5S methodology, and loss elimination methods. 

Beyond the classroom, four additional days of on-site practical training at production facilities allow participants to apply their newfound knowledge directly to their processes. Over 12 days of combined theoretical and practical training, they are gaining essential skills to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in the Ukrainian furniture industry. 

Preparing for Meble Polska 2025: A Step Toward International Markets

UAFM and SIPPO collaborated to support Ukrainian furniture companies in their preparations for the Meble Polska 2025 exhibition, held in Poznań from February 25-28. This extensive online training brought together the UAFM team and 25 representatives from 16 furniture companies across Ukraine, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed internationally. 

The training covered key topics such as export sales, marketing strategies, and B2B negotiations. Participants learned how to craft compelling value propositions, prepare for meetings with potential partners, and attract customers even before the exhibition began. The program not only provided theoretical knowledge but also helped companies adapt their strategies to real market challenges. 

Driving Growth and Competitiveness

These training initiatives reinforce the competitiveness of Ukrainian furniture manufacturers by focusing on operational efficiency and market expansion. 

With LEAN principles integrated into production and companies prepared for international exhibitions, Ukrainian manufacturers are well-positioned to seize new opportunities and strengthen their global presence. Continued collaboration between UAFM and SIPPO remains key to ensuring their sustained success in both local and international markets. 

2021 - 2025
Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Colombia, Indonesia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vietnam
Trade, Initial vocational education and training, Entrepreneurial ecosystems, Sustainable tourism
Swiss Import Promotion Programme
The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) is a well-established mandate of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) within the framework of its economic development cooperation. The programme has been implemented by Swisscontact since 2017 and is now in phase 2 (2021-2025).

The overall objective of SIPPO is to integrate developing and transition countries into world trade. In a facilitation role, SIPPO advises and supports so-called Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in 12 partner countries. Through innovative and targeted export promotion services, BSOs strengthen the export capabilities of companies intending to export and facilitate market access and exports to Switzerland, the EU, and regional markets.