For COR, sustainable actions and business did not begin with the current CO² balance. Since its foundation, one of the company's goals has always been to produce high-quality seating furniture that outlives short-term trends and fashions. Wherever possible, it is made from regional raw materials and with great attention to detail. The choice of Rheda-Wiedenbrück in eastern Westphalia as the production location may have been a coincidence. But not the conscious decision to engage in long-term partner and supplier relationships. The company is entering the new year with a Blue Angel award and a neutral carbon footprint.
Investments and challenges
The 2021 corporate year was accompanied by significant investments in the digitalisation of various work processes, the acquisition of new machinery and the restructuring of the administration. Finally, the verdict in the long-running court case with the online giant Reuter was reached – in COR's favour.
Despite the cancellation of imm due to the pandemic and the challenging situation, several new products were successfully launched at the beginning of the year. These included the Jalis21 sofa (design Jehs+Laub) and further developments of the Mell Lounge collection (design Jehs+Laub) and the Delta table (design kräling_luebke). With the re-edition of the Farmer chair (design Gerd Lange), COR reached the final of the German Sustainability Award for Design.
Sad news reached the company in September. French designer Pauline Deltour died unexpectedly at the age of just 38. She was particularly successful for COR with the Drop and Floater product lines. She had just finished developing the new Noto collection, which will premiere in January 2022.
Outlook and goals for 2022
In the year 2022, digitalisation will continue to be a focus. The same applies to the close partnership with the specialist home trade and the expansion of digital communication channels.
In addition to an intranet, a product information system (PIM) is also being introduced. Digital dealer marketing is being further expanded for COR specialist dealers. Revised product configurators and a fabric and leather finder on the website will help end consumers to select their COR furniture in future.
The Lean Factory strategy remains a focal point. The continuous streamlining of production and internal processes includes the construction of a new, modern materials warehouse in 2022.
