Royal Ahrend commits to circular business operations and international expansion
May 6, 2025
Royal Ahrend accelerates circular operations and international expansion in 2024
Highlights 2024:
- Revenue of €273.7 million, 7% lower than in 2023, due to strategic choices and economic uncertainty
- Strong financial performance driven by focus on core activities and supply chain optimisation
- Recurring EBITDA increased to €26.4 million, driven by margin improvements and efficiency gains
- Strong growth in circular services, with increased revenue from refurbishment and Revived products, and 12.5% more leased furniture
- 66,740 refurbished furniture items processed at the Circular Hub in Veghel, the Netherlands.
- 56% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 CO₂ emissions compared to 2018, including emissions from own production sites and vehicle fleet
- Launch of the circular Ahrend Remode office chair and Gispen WIZZ educational chair, both made with over 70% recycled plastics
Looking back on 2024
Strong financial result in a challenging year
2024 was a year in which Royal Ahrend further sharpened its strategic direction. Although consolidated revenue declined by 7% to €273.7 million, the company succeeded in delivering a healthy financial result. Thanks to a clear focus on core activities, expansion of sales channels, and optimisation of the global supply chain—highlighted by the successful commissioning of the new Wood Hub in Prague—Royal Ahrend managed to cut costs and strengthen gross margins. Recurring EBITDA slightly increased to €26.4 million, signalling the company’s strong focus on improving commercial performance and operational strength despite macroeconomic uncertainties.
Sustainability at the forefront
In addition to financial resilience, Royal Ahrend took significant steps in sustainability. CO₂ emissions from its own production facilities and employee and service vehicle fleet (Scope 1 and 2) were reduced by 56% compared to 2018. Emissions related to the procurement of materials for new furniture (Scope 3) were fully mapped out in 2024, enabling targeted reductions in the coming years.
Driven by growing demand for refurbished furniture and circular consultancy services at home and abroad, circular services showed strong growth. At the Circular Hub in Veghel, 66,740 furniture items were refurbished. The company also launched the Ahrend Remode office chair and the Gispen WIZZ educational chair, both made from over 70% recycled plastics.
Rolf Verspuij, CEO of Royal Ahrend: “We are seeing continued growth in demand for circular furniture and services. We have prepared for this by investing in the expansion of our Circular Hub in Veghel. To refurbish more efficiently and at scale, we are focusing on industrialising the refurbishment process. By investing in circular office environments, we can make a significant contribution together with our clients towards achieving climate goals.”
Looking ahead to 2025
International growth through focus and innovation
In 2025, Royal Ahrend will continue to implement its strategic course, with a particular focus on further expanding its commercial network. Investments have been made in new showrooms in Manchester, Singapore, and Düsseldorf. The dealer network has been expanded in the Netherlands, Germany, and most recently in Switzerland through a partnership with Witzig.
Rolf Verspuij, CEO of Royal Ahrend: “We are proud of the international growth we are realising by expanding our international sales channels. The recent partnership with Swiss-based Witzig enables us to bring our sustainable furniture collections to the Swiss market. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”
At the same time, service provision and supply chain integration remain top priorities. Major investments are planned in the further digitalisation of the organisation, including the implementation of a new ERP system.
Accelerating circularity and climate ambitions
In 2025, Royal Ahrend will continue to strengthen its leading position in the furniture industry in the field of circularity. Investments have been made in expanding the Circular Hub in Veghel, and refurbishment activities are being scaled up through the introduction of an industrial refurbishment process at the St. Oedenrode site. Royal Ahrend is also investing in greening energy use at its international production sites in Prague and Shanghai. In addition, efforts are underway to increase the proportion of recycled materials in the design of new furniture, such as steel, glass, and plastics.
