Stoffus Lda, a leader in the development and construction of leather and fabric sofas in the Portuguese market, opened a brand-new facility in February 2020 and digitally transformed its processes with the objective of improving working conditions and growing its 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.

"Speed, quality, optimized and integrated processes, combined with excellent service were the decisive reasons for choosing Gerber as a partner over the competition,” said Luis Salgado, CEO and Founder of Stoffus. “The trust factor in a technological partner that guarantees a stable presence and service of quality is essential for an increase in productivity and precision in delivery times.”

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% reduction in manpower, an improved material savings between 1 meter to 1.5 meters per sofa, and 100% increase in productivity. Stoffus is now able to produce 25 to 30 sofas daily compared to previously producing 15 sofas.

“For furniture manufacturers, the pandemic has caused a major increase in demand as people spend more time in their homes,” said Francisco Aguiar of Gerber Technology. “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, the company explains. Stoffus offers a customization service as well as a collection where it’s possible to customize colours, 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 its customers,” says Gerber. “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.”

"Above all, I chose Gerber for their assistance and technical support and service, as well as the excellent quality of the equipment,” said Salgado. “We consider it essential to have a team to help us work better and more efficiently and Gerber managed to convey that confidence and stability.”

 Stoffus, a company formed by European capital, was founded in 2004, based on the structure of a team with more than 20 years of experience in the development and construction of leather and fabric sofas in the Portuguese market. The company believes in a symbiosis of quality, design, comfort and durability of its products as a way to provide its customers with the best final solution.

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