To boost the development of the furniture and wood sector in the northern region of Santa Catarina, business leaders and entrepreneurs are forming a sectoral committee. This initiative is led by the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (FIESC), through its regional vice-presidency, the Regional Association of Furniture Companies (Arpem), and the furniture industry unions Sindusmobil, from São Bento do Sul, and Sindicom, from Rio Negrinho.

“With planned and integrated actions, we can continue advancing in innovation, making industries more attractive to the labor market and contributing even more effectively to the economic and social development of the region,” highlights Arnaldo Huebl, vice-president of FIESC.

In addition to promoting the growth of the furniture and wood sectors, which encompass approximately 370 companies and 9,000 workers in São Bento do Sul, Rio Negrinho, and Campo Alegre, the committee aims to address the supply and qualification of the necessary workforce. To achieve this, Senai will likely partner in offering free technical courses to professionals currently working in or seeking to enter these sectors.

The local furniture hub is responsible for 55% of furniture exports from Santa Catarina and 20% of the total exported by Brazil. Investments made by industries over the years, and more intensively in recent decades, have made industrial units more efficient, safe, and competitive. The use of renewable solid wood and sustainable practices in processes are key differentiators.