\n– What did the company have to change in order to adapt to today\u2019s \u2014 without exaggeration \u2014 crisis conditions caused by the war, and to continue meeting customers\u2019 needs as effectively as before?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
– We had to change part of our suppliers of materials and components \u2014 for example, plywood. A large amount of it used to be imported to Ukraine from Belarus. Of course, after the war began, its import stopped, which for a while caused a shortage in the country. However, we quickly found new suppliers.<\/em>
The company also faced changes that, probably, no Ukrainian employer could avoid \u2014 staffing ones. Mobilized employees were replaced by newly hired workers. And as for these replacements, we don\u2019t differ much from most of our colleagues, except that we don\u2019t assign women to woodworking operations. What\u2019s encouraging is the pre-conscription youth \u2014 they\u2019re diligent, capable, and eager to grow with the company. Still, we realize that we may soon have to find replacements for them too if the war lasts long.<\/em>
When power outages began, we had to change our production planning and organization \u2014 as a result, it became more flexible, which ultimately benefited the business.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– When periodic blackouts started, manufacturers protected themselves by purchasing backup generators. Some even use solar panels to make their production more energy-independent.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
– We also purchased generators as backup, although we\u2019re in a better position than most city consumers \u2014 we\u2019re connected to a power line that isn\u2019t cut off during mass outages because it supplies critical infrastructure. Nevertheless, we also intend to install solar panels \u2014 that\u2019s a matter of the near future.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– Speaking of other changes that have occurred during the war, many furniture companies \u2014 members of UAFM \u2014 have actively entered foreign markets, becoming exporters.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
– Our company is no exception. The only difference from other furniture makers is that, for now, we export not furniture but modular houses \u2014 since we also have this direction in woodworking. With furniture, it\u2019s more complicated because, to fully fulfill obligations to private clients, we need to send a specialist for measurements and later a team of installers \u2014 and as you understand, that\u2019s difficult now.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– \u00a0When you visit your website, it becomes clear why you manage to exceed customer expectations. You work in clients\u2019 homes neatly, without disturbing their order. You also advise them on how to organize their living space most efficiently. Do you still see this as your competitive advantage?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
– You could say that. Although, when it comes to neatness and order during installation work, it\u2019s simply a matter of basic culture in relations with the client. As for consultations \u2014 that\u2019s the kind of support not typical for most furniture manufacturers, but we provide it to our clients. Considering the dimensions and configuration of the furniture we agree to produce, we advise where it\u2019s better to tile the walls, how to run utilities, or \u2014 if they\u2019re already installed \u2014 how and where it\u2019s more practical to place the furniture for maximum functionality and comfort. We also suggest where it\u2019s best to install switches and sockets.<\/em>
Another important thing for our clients is that we provide both warranty and post-warranty service for our products. If any part gets damaged, the client can be sure we\u2019ll offer an identical replacement.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– Thank you for the insightful conversation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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