Characterization and perspectives of the wood furniture industry of Coronel Freitas, SC, Brazil

Abstract

The present research is a study curried out from 2005-2007 on the profile of furniture industries in the municipalities of Chapecó and Coronel Freitas, located in the western region of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The main objectives were to characterize and to analyze the productive/supply chain in order to learn about the perspectives of sustainability of the furniture industry. For that purpose, a complete census applying a questionnaire with open and closed answers was made, as well as visit to the production lines of the industries. In Coronel Freitas there were eighteen reasonably structured companies, producing kitchens, dining rooms, bathroom and bedroom counters. In Chapecó only ten companies were left making standardized furniture and twenty nine making customized furniture. The market has presented some imperfect competition nuances, with product differentiation and the search for new niches. Most firms (46%) are of small size while 40% are even smaller, the so-called micro-enterprises. The technological level varied from the simple artisan up to full mechanization. Gross average annual revenue was estimated to be around R$ 49.389,000.00 with a potential to reach R$ 92.631,000.00. The main reasons alleged for the actual situation were: taxes, labor legislation, labor training, lack of official policies, market demand and cash flow problems. The study allowed us to infer and to suggest several government policies, at three levels, in order for economic sustainability and also actions among the enterprises in particular those stimulating partnerships.