Värnamo Sängkläder AB, a family-owned company specializing in high-quality Nordic bedding since 1951, has successfully navigated challenges from intense competition in the bedding market. Martin Åhlander, the third-generation CEO, revealed at the recent Heimtextil exhibition in Frankfurt that the company has maintained its position as the sole producer of pillows, mattress protectors, and quilts with manufacturing based in Sweden.
Facing fierce competition from Asian companies exporting high-quality bedding at lower costs, Värnamo strategically invested in the latest automation technologies around fifteen years ago. Collaborating closely with TMAS member ACG Kinna, the company implemented automated solutions, making production flexible, responsive, and cost-effective. This strategic move allowed Värnamo to compete and thrive against the backdrop of increasing challenges, particularly from Asian competitors.
A pivotal collaboration with ACG Kinna in the 1980s marked the beginning of their journey into automation, starting with the installation of automated overlock stitching units. Over the years, Värnamo expanded its automation capabilities, becoming one of the pioneers in installing an ACG Kinna robotic pillow line. This innovative line, capable of handling 3,840 pillows in an eight-hour shift, significantly increased production volume, positioning Värnamo as a leader in the market.
The COVID-19 pandemic further played to Värnamo's advantage, with disruptions in international shipping logistics and rising costs, leading to long lead times for products from Asia. Additionally, the company's recent collaboration with EyeTech, a developer of machine vision solutions, further enhances its automation capabilities. ACG Kinna's marketing and sales manager, Tomas Aspenskog, emphasized the comprehensive automation provided by the company, covering the entire production chain from fiber handling to final product packaging.
Värnamo's success story serves as a showcase for ACG Kinna's automation capabilities, positioning the company as a flagship showroom. The collaboration not only benefits both companies but also contributes to the broader textile industry by demonstrating the possibilities of cost-effective, sustainable manufacturing closer to customers. As the industry evolves, with the recent success at Heimtextil 2024, TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson highlighted the emphasis on fully automated and highly integrated production lines, enabling resource savings and profitability in high-cost countries.
