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Ekornes chooses Lectra’s Versalis for a “Stressless” future
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Automation & Control - Automation & Process Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Functions
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Predictive Maintenance
- Process Control & Optimization
Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
- Training
The Challenge
For Ekornes, the scarcity of skilled workers and high labor costs mean other ways have to be found to reduce costs and enable the company to remain competitive and keep manufacturing in Norway.
About The Customer
Ekornes is a renowned furniture manufacturer based in Norway, known for its high-quality 'Stressless' chairs. The company operates a production plant in Sykkylven, utilizing around 2200 hides per day in 56 colors to produce 2000 seating units, including 1200 'Stressless' chairs. The plant's high level of automation allows it to produce between 100 and 120 chairs every hour. Despite its long history since 1934, Ekornes faces challenges due to high wages and a shortage of skilled labor, driven by the oil industry's impact on Norway's economy. To maintain its competitiveness and keep production in Norway, Ekornes is focusing on creating synergies between skilled workers and advanced technology.
The Solution
Lectra proposed an integrated solution including VersalisFurniture, specifically designed to address the challenges of the upholstered leather furniture industry. The solution includes a customized approach delivered by a team of experienced consultants, trainers, and technical experts. Ekornes benefits from a service contract that allows Lectra’s experts to monitor each VersalisFurniture system in real-time, using onboard intelligence to anticipate possible breakdowns and minimize the need for on-site intervention. This ensures maximum uptime and efficiency, especially important for Ekornes' remote production facilities. The introduction of VersalisFurniture also provided an opportunity to review and optimize the entire production process, allowing Ekornes to mix models on the same hide and reduce hide wastage by 5-6%. The intuitive interface and automatic nesting features further enhance productivity and efficiency.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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