There are over 15,000 employees in over 2000 companies and about 3000 workshops producing wood furniture in Serbia. The privatization process has started for many companies, and will be completed during 2005.

The greatest numbers of private companies are categorized as small (91.7%). Medium companies makeup 7.1%, and large enterprises account for 1.3% of the total. Privately owned furniture and cabinetry companies manufacture the interior cabinets and custom furniture (small furniture units, closets, kitchens). Some private companies, which belong to the medium size group, are well known for producing stylish and furniture and successfully export to the EU market. The amount of foreign and mixed capital investment in Serbian furniture companies is relatively small. The greatest monetary value of furniture production is achieved by large companies, with 47.05%, followed by small companies with 28.5% and medium companies with 24.5% (2001). The greatest concentration of small and medium companies producing furniture is in the bigger towns and cities. This is understandable, because of the proximity to consumers. Large companies, to a great degree, are orientated towards furniture export. Domestic sales from these companies are mainly orientated towards big towns and cities, and in regions of Serbia, whose citizens temporary work abroad. Almost all categories of furniture are produced in Serbia: household furnishings, as well as furniture for shops, hotels, restaurants, and nurseries and schools, etc. There are a large number of different furniture types in each of these categories. The most important product is bedroom furniture. The leading position of bedroom furniture compared to the other categories is the result of demand from hotels in Serbia and also Russia. Chairs and sofas, dinning room/kitchen sets and anteroom furnishings are also important products.

- Stable growth of production in recent years reaching 3.63% of industrial output in 2002
- Generates positive net foreign trade effect with $89 million of exports in the same year
- Comprised of 2,758 companies – 90% privately owned
- With around 33,000 employees contributed to total workforce with 2.51% in 2002
- Net monthly salary averaged €80 in 2003

Windows and doors  

Production of wood windows and doors has a long tradition in Serbia. Over 100 companies produce windows and doors of very high quality, and significant quantities are exported to Russia and EU countries (15). Door production is characterized by the use of solid wood, most often oak, with some also made from spruce and fir. The recovery and development of individual and public housing construction will, in the great measure, influence increased demand for wood doors and windows.

Hardwood edge-glued panels  

The annual production of hardwood edge-glued panels in Serbia was about 8,000 m3 (2002). There are five producers, whose annual capacities are from 1200 to 2000 m3. Besides the existing producers, preparations for building new facilities are underway, with the planned capacity of about 6,500 m3/year. Production is dominated by edge-glued panels for stairs, bar tables, etc. The panels are mainly made out of beech.

Source: Geneva timber and forest discussion paper 40

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