Editor’s note: Woodworking Network Senior Editor Karen Koenig was among a group of U.S. journalists and videographers invited by the Polish Investment & Trade Agency for a firsthand look at the country’s furniture manufacturing industry. Here’s one of the companies on the tour.

More than 1,200 laminated panels are processed monthly at Tobo’s high-tech factory in Bialystok, Poland, where the contract furniture manufacturer’s commitment to quality and design is highlighted by its award-winning collections, including the 4Senior line, featuring rounded edges and equipped with handles that can be used to support sitting, standing, or hanging a cane.

Tobo’s furniture targets all price points, noted Joanna Lisowska, Export manager, and is sold domestically and internationally, including in Germany, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Founded in 1998, the company has a longstanding reputation for producing modern and timeless, high-quality furniture designs for the office, residential, reception, meeting rooms, hotels, banks, hospitals, schools, and public facilities. Among them, the extensive Hebe collection of workplace furniture includes conference and meeting tables, desks, bookcases, and storage cabinets. Products allow for easy change from open to private spaces, and are available in a selection of colors, frames, and materials to meet the needs of any workplace. 

Also in demand, the h2O-Health to Office furniture system is designed for workplace use by both non-disabled and disabled persons using a wheelchair. Features include height-adjustable desks, easy-to-use handles, antibacterial coatings, and system barriers made of 100 percent wool fabric to naturally absorb irritating odors from the environment, according to the company.

The new Vianno Collection is also drawing interest, Lisowska added. A modern take on executive desk furniture, Vianno includes desks with a pedestal or sideboard, conference tables, coffee tables, filing cabinets, wardrobes, and planters featuring deep wood grains and earthy tones.

Tobo also distributes chairs, sofas and other upholstered products, making it a one-stop shop for interiors.

Quality manufacturing
Quality is key, and all catalog furniture is certified for product conformity with safety requirements of strength and durability, and for hygienic requirements.  According to Lisowska, “Our high-quality management is confirmed by certificates received for many years as the only company in Podlasie (region) producing laminated board furniture (under) PN-EN ISO 9001 and PN-EN ISO 14001.” 

The company uses CNC and other automation to manufacture the furniture on a just-in-time basis. During a tour of the facility, panels were cut-to-size on a Schelling fh4 beam saw, which was fed by an IMA Schelling VS12 automated storage and retrieval system. Nearby, a Biesse Rover CNC machining center and Skpper 100 drilling system processed the cut panels before being edgebanded on the Ott FlexEdge single-sided edgebander or Biesse Rover contour bander. Other equipment on the factory floor includes an Altendorf F45 sliding table saw, wide belt sanders, and shelf presses. 

Among the company’s 50-plus employees, Tobo has designers on staff to create new products and the company can customize existing ones. "This is our advantage," Lisowska said. “If customers need something special, we can help them.” 

More on Tobo at Tobo.pl or watch a company video, below.

Read more on the Polish furniture industry and company tours.