Inter IKEA Group is establishing the range company IKEA Product Development Centre India to support the development of affordable, well-designed home furnishing products for customers in India and globally. The move reinforces IKEA long-term commitment to India as both a key market and sourcing region.
IKEA serves millions of people around the world by offering well-designed, functional home furnishings at prices that as many people as possible can afford. All IKEA products are developed by IKEA of Sweden, sometimes in collaboration with some key markets.
India has been an important sourcing market for IKEA for more than 40 years. To further increase local sourcing and develop unique, well-designed home furnishing products in India for both local and global customers, Inter IKEA Group has established a local company, IKEA Product Development Centre India, that will support the development of products on behalf of IKEA of Sweden.
Establishing the new company in India, as part of the Inter IKEA Group, strengthens IKEA long term commitment to the country by developing locally relevant, globally compliant products closer to customers and supply partners.
“Our goal is to develop a relevant and affordable range for the many people in India and around the world, while building on the country’s unique capabilities – from rich craftsmanship traditions and local raw materials to a wide range of production setups, spanning highly automated factories and artisan-based production,” says Oskar Lindkvist, Managing Director, IKEA Product Development Centre India.
Crucial to developing a relevant range is combining insights into life at home for the many people in the markets where IKEA stores are present, all in close collaboration with supply partners. IKEA Product Development Centre India will support product development through the region’s unique capabilities and competencies, connected to the supplier base in India.
“By meeting people in their own homes, our partners and we can better understand their everyday needs and create solutions that are truly relevant for people in India,” says Oskar Lindkvist.
All products are developed in line with the IKEA Democratic Design principles, balancing form, function, sustainability, quality, and always starting with affordability. Products developed with local support will serve both Indian customers and global markets – always at prices affordable to the many people.
IKEA Product Development Centre India brings together a small, diverse team of specialists working closely across the IKEA ecosystem and is fully aligned with global product development processes.