"Limba’s strategy is focused on the internationalisation of the company" | Key4Communications |

Furniture manufacturer Limba was established in Manlleu in 1973, and features four brands of furniture, including Monens, specialised in children's furniture: cribs, chests, cabinets and convertible cradles for the little ones. And now, says Josep Godayol, general manager of the company, Monens prepares to make the leap to the international market.

Limba recently attended Kind + Jugend as an exhibitor. Is this a first step in the internationalisation of the company?
Limba’s strategy is focused on the internationalisation of the company. Furniture is a product that presents difficulties in exports due to transport costs and the fragility of the product. However, we have prepared ourselves from the logistical point of view to overcome these difficulties. Because of the market characteristics, we believe that children's furniture (Monens) is our best suited brand to export. Obviously, to be present at the Kind + Jugend fair in Cologne was essential to begin our journey.
 
What do you think are the challenges and opportunities latent in the European market for childcare?
Spanish companies have a furniture creativity in design and functionality that are often attributed exclusively to Italian companies. In Europe, when it comes to children's furniture in particular, clients are pleasantly surprised when they see our designs, as they are not used to minimalist designs in this field. They are also surprised to see how, without leaving the aesthetics of the product, we are able to make functional furniture. A clear example is the contribution Spanish manufacturers have made with convertible cribs, not yet widely introduced in Europe.
 
What are the most important trends in juvenile furniture?
Currently there is a preference for minimalist compositions, in spite of the traditional highly charged compositions of juvenile furniture. Straight lines rather than the shapes and mouldings of the past dominate designs. To get a warmer product, melamine is used, as well as textured finishes. Melamine is accepted every day more as a product that provides significant advantages when working with care. For example, it is more resistant and easier to clean than natural wood. Solid wood, therefore, is no longer used as before, and melamine is gaining presence. Furniture with motifs (animals, stars, flowers, etc.) is sold much less than plain models.