“Making the most of every opportunity to obtain advantages in furniture production and distribution for the end costumer” – that is Swedwood’s core business in a nutshell.

This means that every aspect, from forest to furniture to the IKEA store, is an essential part of Swedwood’s business.

The Swedwood idea grew out of the political and economic changes that swept Eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s. This region has always been an important source of supply for IKEA, and there were fears that the process of change might jeopardise continuity. Swedwood’s initial task was therefore to secure parts of IKEA’s furniture delivery requirements from Eastern Europe.

Since then, Swedwood’s mission has developed and broadened into today’s business concept:

To set up production capacity that will create long-term commercial advantages for IKEA, with IKEA as the main customer, specifically in areas where it is difficult for IKEA to obtain external supplies at reasonable and stable prices.

To run the production efficiently so that competitive prices and good delivery performance are achieved.

To be the “model company” that sets an example to IKEA’s suppliers with regard to high standards of conduct, environmental control, safety and quality.

To supply other parts of the IKEA Group with industryrelated knowledge.

To only supply a limited share of IKEA’s total furniture needs.

The effort to produce wood based furniture consistently and cost-effectively forms the basis of Swedwood’s backward integration. This may involve taking an active interest in forestry operations, sawmills and the board industry, whenever this is considered strategically important from a raw materials perspective. The result is furniture and components that offer the best value for money in the market.