The HOMAG Group posted that the long-awaited recovery in the global furniture manufacturing sector has not yet materialised, despite reporting significantly stronger earnings in the first half of 2025, thanks to smart cost management and a steady service business—though overall sales and order intake remained below the prior year amid sluggish furniture demand. EBIT before unusual effects for the German machinery maker was EUR 29.2 million in H1 2025, up 36% from EUR 21.5 million in the same period the previous year. Sales and order intake, however, both slightly decreased, indicating ongoing difficulty in core markets. Order intake decreased from EUR 699 million in H1 2024 to EUR 671 million.
Order intake came in at €671 million for H1 2025, down from €699 million in the same period last year. CEO Dr Daniel Schmitt pointed to ongoing tariff disputes and rising uncertainty among furniture makers, prompting many customers to delay investments. At the same time, past strength in timber‑house production helped cushion the decline. Sales also fell, to €674 million versus €706 million in H1 2024. Despite shrinking top-line figures, EBIT (before extraordinary items) rose by 36 %, climbing to €29.2 million from €21.5 million a year earlier. That leap was powered by savings from workforce cuts and a stable service division. Reflecting the streamlining, headcount dropped from 6,978 to 6,621 as of June 30, 2025. The order backlog also eased, falling to €724 million at mid-2025 from €833 million a year before.
First quarter look-back
In the first quarter, the Group noted a modest rebound in orders for single machines—order intake rose 4 % to €391 million (from €377 million in Q1 2024), and the backlog shrank to €814 million. Sales dipped to €335 million (vs €347 million), while EBIT before extraordinary effects jumped 25 % to €13.5 million. Staff reductions helped trim costs, while a resilient service business bolstered earnings. Both the Group and its parent, Dürr, expect a market recovery in the second half of 2025 at the earliest. HOMAG is counting on new momentum from LIGNA—the world’s largest woodworking trade fair held in Hanover in May—to help revive demand.
Long-term gains
Beyond short-term financials, HOMAG is investing heavily in its Schopfloch headquarters. A new €40 million customer experience centre and modern staff restaurant are set to open by late 2026. Made from timber with solar panels and sustainable features, the centre will span 4,500 m² and highlight HOMAG’s leading solutions, while the restaurant—seating nearly 500—aims to foster connection with a café garden included. This forms part of a broader €100 million upgrade at the site.
Company Profile
Headquartered in Schopfloch, the HOMAG Group is the global leader in integrated woodworking solutions—serving both industry and craft shops. It operates 13 production sites, around 20 company-owned sales and service affiliates, and about 60 exclusive partners worldwide. It employs roughly 7,000 people and offers seamless digital production—from point of sale through factory—supported by its “Tapio” IoT ecosystem. Since October 2014, HOMAG has been majority‑owned by Dürr. With tighter costs and a resilient service arm, HOMAG weathered a tough first half. Though the furniture sector remains in a slowdown, the firm’s hands-on investments and high visibility position it to capture gains when demand returns.
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