Stoffus, Lda is a leader in the development and construction of leather and fabric sofas in the Portuguese market. In February 2020, the company opened a brand new facility and digitally transformed their processes with the objective of improving working conditions and growing their business. When the global pandemic caused many companies to shift their production to personal protective equipment (PPE), Stoffus leveraged Gerber Technology’s integrated solutions to not only run their normal business operations, but also keep up with growing demand for made-to-order furniture resulting in doubling its production capacity.

As soon as they moved into the new facility, Stoffus was able to move towards new goals with integrated digital processes that immediately enabled a simultaneous increase in profitability and productivity. Since the implementation of Gerber’s AccuMark and AccuNest software, digitizer, plotter and Gerbercutter Z1, Stoffus has seen a 50 percent reduction in manpower, an improved material savings between 1 m to 1.5 m per sofa, and 100 percent increase in productivity. Stoffus is now able to daily produce 25 to 30 sofas compared to previously producing 15 sofas.

Francisco Aguiar of Gerber Technology:

“For furniture manufacturers, the pandemic has caused a major increase in demand as people spend more time in their home. Without technology, manufacturers will work more hours and shifts to keep up with the demand and end up reducing efficiency, increasing costs, and hurting their bottom line. However, companies like Stoffus, who have digitally adapted, are not only able to keep up with demand but will also shorten lead times, reduce errors and as a result improve margins.”

• Today’s consumers want modular and customized products which is why Stoffus relies on a made-to-order model.

• Stoffus offers a customization service as well as a collection where it’s possible to customize colors, fabrics, ergonomics, functions, decorative details and desired measurements.

• Prior to implementing Gerber’s integrated solution, Stoffus relied on manual processes which resulted in longer than usual delivery times as the demand for furniture grew.

• In order to ensure greater agility and efficiency, Stoffus needed a reliable partner that would help them digitally transform their supply chain.

• The investment also allows Stoffus to embrace technological innovation and better serve their customers.

• They’re also able to expand their business with the launch of their new brand, Andretti, which will help them enter the high decoration market in new GEOs like Canada, USA, UK, Japan and South Korea.