Rodriquez heads new World Furniture Confederation

— Furniture Today,
39 countries, though not U.S., attended Paris meeting


PARIS — Furniture industry leaders from around the world have named Rodrigo Rodriquez, honorary president of the European Furniture Manufacturers Federation, or UEA, as the first president of the newly formed World Furniture Confederation.
He was chosen last month to serve a three-year term by industry associates gathered at the Salon de Meuble here. Representatives from 39 countries, including Russia, Belgium, Italy, France, Taiwan and China, attended the meeting. No U.S. furniture manufacturers were present.
Rodriquez is chairman of London-based office and contract furniture supplier Forza Projects Ltd. and is vice chairman of Brescia, Italy-based lighting design firm FLOS S.P.A. He also co-chairs the Canadian Italian Business Council and is vice president of the Italian Producers Assn.
UEA members broached the idea of forming the World Furniture Confederation last year to address issues of an increasingly global furniture industry.
The WFC plans to meet again at the China International Furniture Expo in Shanghai, which runs Sept. 12-15.
The group is open to furniture manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and other organizations around the world with an interest in the furniture industry. To become a member, contact the UEA secretariat at secretariat@uae.be.