HAL, owner of Royal Ahrend, invests 40 million euros in the acceleration of the growth of Royal Ahrend, which also , among others, includes, Gispen, Presikhaaf and Techo. In an interview in the Dutch ‘Eindhovens Dagblad’, CEO Eugène Sterken extensively discusses current developments at one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in Europe, and the ambitions the company has.
Growth comes from abroad
Sterken explains that the growth for Ahrend must come from abroad. “The 8% increase in turnover that we achieved in 2017 was mainly realised in Asia and Eastern Europe” he says. The production facility of Ahrend in China this year will generate a turnover of 8-10 million euros in own products.
The Chinese factory (Antriol, ed.) Plays an important role in the plans of the company anyway. The Ahrend group plans to strengthen its position with sales offices in Singapore, Bangalore and Manila. In addition to the showroom in Dubai, it wants to realize a second branch in the Middle East in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Antriol is responsible for production and deliveries in both Asia and the Middle East.
Large order in London
Although Sterken can not name the customer’s name, the enormous order that Ahrend realized in London is mentioned. With 7,000 sit-stand workstations, he believes it is the largest order of its kind in Europe.
Multiple goals for the capital injection
Sterken finally goes into the capital injection of 40 million euros from HAL. In addition to the aforementioned expansion of the activities abroad, the development of the lease solutions offered by Ahrend will also be financed. Finally, a new acquisition is not excluded.
Read the entire (Premium) article in the Eindhovens Dagblad (dutch), which also includes the revenue growth, expected profit figures, and organizational changes.