Assessment and characterization of joineries in the city of Viçosa, MG

Abstract

The forestry sector is not only formed by large companies, such as pulp and paper or reconstituted panels, but also by small businesses, and often strictly family businesses, as joineries. This study aimed to identify, assess and characterize joineries in Viçosa, Minas Gerais. The object of study was limited to the city's joinery businesses, mainly the ones belonging to the former Joiner's Association. A questionnaire was drawn up to obtain information on the used wood, internal management and employee training, machinery, products, market, product advertising and prospects for the sector. It was found that both entrepreneurs and workers have low educational level and lack their own product design. They were producing only ordered products with intensive use of solid wood particularly from native forests. Products were heterogeneous, ranging from furniture to farm utilities. Competition, mainly the informal, represented the biggest obstacle to sector development, as well as serialized products from other locations sold in shops at lower prices. It was concluded that the joinery sector in Viçosa needs greater skill levels, both technical and managerial, to improve the activity. Moreover, the sector needs better organization through associations and support of agencies such as local Sebrae, and wider product advertising targeting consumers in the region.