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Over the past year and a half, during conversations with furniture makers from our Association, we\u2019ve been hearing fewer complaints about the economic and social challenges caused by the war \u2014 though these difficulties still persist for businesses. The most pressing issue remains the shortage of skilled labor. We can\u2019t help but feel proud of the companies and leaders who, despite all obstacles, continue to demonstrate optimism grounded in real growth and profitability throughout nearly the entire wartime period. This story is about one of those companies \u2014 the company of Enver Mamedov.<\/strong><\/p>\n – In the current conditions, our company feels confident primarily because we modernized our production by purchasing new equipment, which enabled significant automation of manufacturing processes. It was a strategic and forward-thinking move. When the labor market in the country became strained, we were able to hire people who, even without high qualifications, could work effectively on CNC machines after brief training. Additionally, fewer employees are now needed to maintain the production process.<\/em><\/p>\n Moreover, using modern tools and practices, we developed and implemented an effective quality control system and a set of standards for each employee to organize their workstations properly. This helped optimize both production and management processes and increased productivity. This internal organization also produced tangible results.<\/em><\/p>\n – For such a large-scale upgrade of your machine park, you probably didn\u2019t rely solely on your own funds?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – Correct. We used credit. We were hoping for grant funding, but it didn\u2019t work out. At the beginning of the war \u2014 during the chaos and disorientation business owners were experiencing \u2014 we couldn\u2019t gather and prepare the necessary documentation for grants in time. However, the government simplified access to credit, and we took advantage of that.<\/em><\/p>\n – Has the company’s profitability grown only in the past year and a half, as the domestic market, economy, and society have adapted to martial law?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – Not really. Every year during the war, our production volumes have grown by 30\u201340%. Naturally, profitability has also increased. To be specific: last year we saw a 37% increase, and this year we aim to reach 42%.<\/em><\/p>\n – Has the product range changed?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – We exited the mass-market segment \u2014 we no longer produce economy-class furniture. Instead, we\u2019ve established ourselves in the mid- to high-end price segment. Before the war, many clients sought the cheapest options and agreed to lower-quality fittings and materials. Today, staying in the mass market has become economically unviable. This shift has allowed us to work more with designers who incorporate our furniture into their interior projects, as well as with construction companies \u2014 rather than directly with end consumers.<\/em><\/p>\n – Many Ukrainian designers have moved abroad and are implementing interior projects there. Some companies have managed to enter foreign markets through cooperation with them.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – We\u2019ve received such a request, but I\u2019m not yet ready to accept it. For us, it\u2019s important to maintain high quality at all stages of the project. I am confident in what we produce in-house, but due to obvious reasons, I can\u2019t send our team abroad to take precise measurements or do the installation. Outsourcing these steps means I can\u2019t be sure everything will be done precisely and correctly.<\/em><\/p>\n – So quality remains one of your key competitive advantages?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n – I truly value the fact that in our company, we don\u2019t leave even the smallest flaw unresolved if it bothers the designer. We finish projects to the point where the designer or client says: \u201csuper-super.\u201d<\/em> – Let\u2019s return to the issue of staffing shortages \u2014 a major challenge for furniture makers and most Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Practice shows that women can successfully operate automated woodworking machines. Have you considered this in your staffing strategy?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – We do employ women, particularly in the workshop, in roles that don\u2019t require significant physical effort \u2014 for example, quality control, final preparation of products for delivery, and other key production stages. We highly value their professionalism and responsibility.<\/em> – What other innovations have you implemented recently?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – We\u2019ve started organizing events, meetings, and consultations with designers to discuss pain points in cooperation with manufacturers. They share what challenges they face when working with furniture companies, and we, in turn, explain how we address similar issues. This has opened up a more active and productive dialogue.<\/em> – There\u2019s always room for improvement. What areas are you looking to improve next?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n – We\u2019re preparing to implement a management system based on artificial intelligence. It will process orders, organize and control product output, and help streamline and maintain a clear production workflow. We try to stay future-oriented and move in sync with digital Ukraine.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t\n
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Another key advantage: since the start of the war, we haven\u2019t missed a single delivery deadline \u2014 and we\u2019ve managed this without overexerting our team or resources. At times, we\u2019ve taken on multiple large furnishing projects simultaneously. We\u2019ve even completed work on sites a full month before the client was ready to use the space. Again, automation played a huge role in meeting and exceeding these deadlines.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
As for machine operation, we currently don\u2019t have an urgent need to involve women. Not because of doubts about their capabilities, but rather due to the physical nature of the work. Personally, I follow a traditional approach here. That said, if the need arises or women themselves express interest in such roles, I\u2019ll do everything possible to ensure safe, comfortable working conditions. It\u2019s important to me that everyone in the team enjoys their work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
Additionally, we\u2019ve begun to work more deliberately and deeply on marketing, to better position ourselves. Over the past year, I\u2019ve been fully immersed in this area.<\/em>
We\u2019ve also started inviting schools for tours of our facility \u2014 to show students what modern furniture production looks like. We want to demonstrate that it\u2019s a complex but fascinating technological process, not just cutting boards and assembling them into furniture. These initiatives are part of our long-term strategy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n