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Article Archive

01.05.2008

New Europe

The pace at which Europe has grown and integrated new members has been quite brilliant, but the anticipated opportunities that ‘New Europe’ was to present, for manufacturing closer to home, haven’t all lived up to expectations. Roger van der Matten, MD of 4 Living Furniture knows all too well.

“Like many, I was keen to embrace Europe’s new dawn and spent a great deal of time and energy over the last couple of years trying to make full use of the manufacturing resource and expertise on our doorstep. After all, as a major designer, manufacturer and supplier of contemporary furniture to the UK and European markets, I’d be foolish not to explore an alternative manufacturing base to the far east, that’s just a couple of hours flying time away from 4 Living’s offices in Lewes, East Sussex.

“Sadly however, the upshot of my endeavours is that I have committed 000s of hours and air miles to a project that was subjected to hurdles at every turn. The cost of moving containers by road through Europe far out weighs the cost of container sea freight from Asia. The lack of good QC inspectors on the ground, coupled with a short term view to quality means that you quickly become nervous of receiving each order – the first order can look great, but can then go down hill rapidly, as your new European colleagues seemingly cutting corners wherever possible.

“This, of course, is just not acceptable and highlights differences in the manufacturing culture in the likes of Bulgaria, compared to the exacting standards expected in developed consumer markets, such as the UK.

“Although now part of an expanding EU, it would seem that companies such as ours may have been somewhat premature in looking to seize upon the perceived wealth of manufacturing expertise they were offering – they are clearly some way off from realising what it takes to compete in a global market.

“Poor communication, lack of attention to quality detail and the uncompetitive cost of freight, when added to spiralling raw material prices and a strong Euro, unfortunately make manufacturing in New Europe completely unrealistic – it has a great deal of catching up to do, in all areas, if it is to compete with what the far east has to offer; something I find frustrating and sad when you think of the potential it holds.”