Managing Efficiency & Quality in the Furniture Industry

FDT Bureau

From L-R: Mr Rajesh Alagh, Executive VP, MDF Sales, Greenply Industries; Mr Danesh Bhatia, Director, Aryamman Interior Solutions; Mr Jay Garg, Director, E3 Group; Mr Yash Sharda, Director, Makaya MMW; Mr Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, Biesse India; and Mr Gopal Dwivedi, Casantro at the panel discussion Managing Efficiency and Quality in the Furniture Industry held at MATECIA’s Materials and Technology Conclave.

As the industry shifts towards higher standards, it’s evident that a focus on quality is not just an aspiration but it’s a commitment etched into the very fabric of the business. The esteemed panelists came together to share their perspectives, illustrating how collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality are redefining the sector.

The furniture industry is a domain where craftsmanship meets innovation, where the art of design converges with the precision of engineering. In the quest to create furniture that not only pleases the eye but also stands the test of time, a session on Managing Efficiency and Quality in the Furniture Industry hosted during the Materials and Technology Conclave 2023 as part of MATECIA brought together luminaries from this dynamic field. Moderated by Mr. Gopal Dwivedi, Casantro, the panel featured experts such as Mr. Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, Biesse India; Mr. Rajesh Alagh, Executive VP, MDF Sales, Greenply Industries; Mr. Danesh Bhatia, Director, Aryamman Interior Solutions; Mr. Jay Garg, Director, E3 Group; and Mr. Yash Sharda, Director, Makaya MMW. This insightful discussion unveiled the vital secrets to achieving excellence in this ever-evolving industry.

Four Ms that Matter

The session laid the foundation by highlighting the significance of the Four M’s – Manpower, Material, Machinery and Method. Among these, material takes the first spotlight. “Material is a fundamental component in the production process. Without materials, it is impossible to create anything. In the absence of materials, machinery cannot be utilized, and methods cannot be applied,” asserted Mr Dwivedi. Without the right materials, the very essence of furniture creation crumbles. He implied that the quality and reliability of the materials are the bedrock upon which the entire industry stands. Seamless supply chains and rigorous quality checks throughout the manufacturing process are the prerequisites for any fine piece of furniture.

Mr Dwivedi proceeded to inquire from the panelists about the elusive element essential for crafting a product that seamlessly combines efficiency with high quality. Stepping into the spotlight, machinery expert Mr Ahmed said, “I think, for me, I can easily describe quality in one word: passion. Quality is not merely achieved through inspection. In many industries today, the concept of inspection is being introduced as the first step towards achieving quality. Inspection is somewhat like cherry-picking; you simply cannot attain quality through inspection alone. The next step is to formalize the inspection process within procedures and SOPs to maintain quality and ensure quality assurance. To maintain quality, you must ensure that your processes are robust and well-established. These processes encompass every aspect, starting from design, production, installation, procurement of materials, to material storage.”

Harmony in Quality

In the heart of India’s vibrant furniture industry, quality is taking center stage. Mr Garg suggested that quality signifies having a vision. “If your vision is lacking, and your goal is merely to be part of the competition and sell anything without much consideration, then you will not be able to deliver quality,” he opined.

"I’m of the opinion that quality can even be provided at a lower cost when the entire ecosystem is well-organized, and every department is managed by specialists."



Mr. Rajesh Alagh, Executive VP, MDF, Sales, Greenply Industries

In the intricate interplay among Manpower, Material, and Machinery, Method takes center stage as the conductor of this elaborate symphony. It serves as the blueprint and roadmap, directing the transformation of raw materials into artful furniture. This is the juncture where craftsmanship seamlessly melds with science. The experts elucidated how a well-defined and robust process is at the core of maintaining the highest standards. Each step, from design to procurement, installation and beyond, must be documented, followed and perfected. Quality isn’t merely the result of inspections; it’s a culture, a way of life that involves every member of the team. Therefore, for Mr Ahmed, “The emphasis on quality becomes more than just a concept; it becomes a passion and an ingrained part of the culture.”

The Synergy of Quality

India’s prowess in cost-effective manufacturing is not a well-kept secret. However, Mr Sharda remarked that it’s not just about the cost. It’s about understanding what the industry produces and delivers. An intimate knowledge of the raw materials and the methods employed is the first step towards delivering quality. Mr Sharda informed, “End users often aren’t entirely aware of the materials they receive from a brand or manufacturer. If you are involved in selling furniture or raw materials, it’s crucial to visit the industry to gain an understanding of what they produce and deliver. It’s vital to study their methods.”

Going forward, Mr Dwivedi prompted an intriguing question – is quality always expensive? Mr Garg argued that quality doesn’t inflate costs; instead, it adds value to your products. “Quality adds a touch of respect to your materials or products in the market, which ultimately helps in growing your business. When you use quality materials to create quality products, there are very few breakdowns in your factory, and the lifespan of your machinery increases.”

"The emphasis on quality becomes more than just a concept; it becomes a passion and an ingrained part of the culture."



Mr. Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, Biesse India

Mr Bhatia introduced the idea of a wellstructured ecosystem. He highlighted, “In India, we do have quality-driven products, but achieving international standards for furniture or raw materials is not possible because everyone focuses on their respective core competencies.” In India, a shift towards specializing in core competencies rather than trying to do it all is crucial. “In India, the problem,” Mr Bhatia clarified, “is that everyone wants to do everything. People tend to imitate their competitors, which is often just a case of monkey see, monkey do. But if you follow someone, you’re merely copying rather than leading.” Instead, “if everyone focuses on their strengths, manufacturers on manufacturing, and suppliers on providing top-tier materials, an ecosystem that delivers quality at an affordable price can become a reality.”

Mr Alagh added another layer to the discussion, underscoring the importance of cost optimization and efficiency. He echoed Mr Bhatia’s perspective on the ecosystem. “Quality doesn’t necessarily require additional costs. I’m of the opinion that quality can even be provided at a lower cost when the entire ecosystem is well-organized, and every department is managed by specialists. That’s the key,” he added. “In business, everything starts with procurement, and that’s how you begin making money. So, how strong you are in your procurement and how well you control your raw material purchases are also key factors that make a significant difference.”

This article is a part of our exclusive article ‘Managing Efficiency & Quality in the Furniture Industry’ which is originally published in Furniture Design & Technology (FDT Magazine) November 2023 print issue. If you want to read the full article, please subscribe Furniture Design & Technology Magazine here: 

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