Success is built on values

For the first time, we introduce members of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers to foreign colleagues who are directly related to the Ukrainian furniture industry. Danish entrepreneur Hjort Knudsen, the owner of a furniture company of the same name, decided to develop his furniture business, which flourished in neighbouring Poland and found it profitable to do so in Ukraine. So, in the western region of our country, a company was organized with an unusual name for furniture and a rather bold name – “United Fashion of Ukraine”, which the Dane headed as CEO Laursen Steen Levring. Danish-Ukrainian furniture began to take root in Ukraine on a large scale – in four branches: in the Lviv region – in Lviv itself, Brody, Velyky Mosty, in the Ternopil region – in Pochaiv. Apparently, things went well in Ukraine, the business climate was favourable, and the Danish businessman last year decided to invest 11 million euros in the creation of another production unit: there is an intention to build a factory on the outskirts of Rivne for the production of designer furniture. ) per thousand jobs.

It would be nonsense to have the concept of “fashion” in the name of the company and work without innovation. Of course, it does not exist in a company with foreign capital, because all procedures and processes here – from production to administration – are subject to constant improvement and innovation. And in this process, not only top managers – all employees: there is an attractive idea to improve the production or administrative operation, place it on the bulletin board, listen to you and anyone from the management of the shop and the company. The concept of family here has been instilled in all employees since the company was established and has successfully taken root, so the attitude of each employee to the company’s budget as their own family: we will work more frugally, have more – and the company as a whole, and everyone in particular.

But it is not only on these values ​​that the company builds its success. Others actually form a code of honour, which obliges to work in such a way as to be respectful, open and honest in communication with customers, colleagues and the authorities, always to act so as not to tarnish the company’s reputation. This is the basis for a strategy, for a long-term perspective to be an attractive partner, which nevertheless makes it clear that it will not be subject to price pressure from customers, nor will it promise something that the company will not be able to fulfil.

The company told us that some of its divisions are auxiliary. Finished upholstered furniture is the task of the factory in Brody. Here they are collected. In Lviv, the sewing part of the furniture production process is performed, ie here they work with furniture textiles and other materials that are cut and from which furniture covers are sewn. In Velykyi Mosty there is a woodworking enterprise. In addition to furniture (production of sofas), the future Rivne enterprise will also produce carpentry.

– The name “United Fashion of Ukraine”, which denotes the Danish investor’s company, is somewhat disorienting: it would rather fit a garment factory, – we were surprised to receive the following answer: “When the Danes came to Ukraine ten years ago, they had corporate rights – that’s right – to the garment company. The company’s specialization expanded, but the name did not change. However, this year will probably be the last for the name “United Fashion of Ukraine”: there is an intention to change it to the parent company’s name. However, the name “Hjort Knudsen Ukraine” is already being used unofficially, “said Laursen Steen Levring.