DRWO4.0 & ProMebli in Lviv: Moving Together Towards Industry 4.0 and Lean

DRWO4.0 & ProMebli in Lviv: Moving Together Towards Industry 4.0 and Lean

On June 11, 2025 the DRWO4.0 team of Ukraine joined the ProMebli conference in Lviv — a major event that brought together over 80 leaders from across Ukraine’s furniture industry: factory owners, heads of sales, technical directors, and production managers.

The event was co-hosted by FORZA, DRWO4.0’s partner in Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers.

Why were we there? Because the challenges and ideas discussed at ProMebli are exactly what DRWO4.0 is all about: helping wood-processing companies take real, practical steps toward Industry 4.0 — using Lean principles, digital tools, and sustainable solutions. DRWO4.0 is offering real, tested tools that companies can start using today.

DRWO4.0 connects 14 partners from 11 countries across the Danube Region — from Austria to Moldova. In Ukraine, the project is led by NGO FORZA (Uzhhorod), with support from the Associated partner National Forestry University of Ukraine (Lviv). The project is funded under the Interreg Danube Regional Programme with co-financing from the European Union.

Why This is Important for Ukrainian Companies

Last year, wood and furniture companies across 11 countries — including Ukraine — took part in a unique self-assessment developed by Culmena Culis in DRWO4.0. Companies themselves honestly evaluated their readiness to go Lean, go digital, and go green.

Ukraine’s average score was 2.7 out of 5. Companies scored highest in Lean (3/5), proving that many companies have a solid production base, they still need support in digitalization and sustainability.

That’s a natural stage of growth. And it clearly shows that businesses are looking for hands-on solutions — which is exactly what DRWO4.0 works on. 

ProMebli Conference: focus on Lean and Automation

ProMebli was buzzing with energy. People talked B2B sales, automation, Lean tools, financing, and better management, with hands-on examples, open questions from the floor, and plenty of networking.

One session that stood out was a hands-on workshop on how Lean thinking can boost performance when combined with the right equipment.  No matter the size of the company or its location — everyone was in. Lean brought the whole room together. Once again, this confirmed that DRWO4.0 is on the right track.

FORZA’s input

Radmila Ustych representing the NGO FORZA, delivered a keynote at the conference. She highlighted both the challenges the industry is facing and the practical value that DRWO4.0 brings:

“We all know the landscape: fierce competition, fast-moving markets, and smart customers. Today, we’re here to talk about staying efficient and finding growth. That’s what DRWO4.0 is built for.”

Her message was clear: DRWO4.0 isn’t just another EU project. It’s a set of real tools for real companies — from case studies and self-checks to expert training and collaboration with EU industry partners.

What’s Next?

Here’s what’s coming up in DRWO4.0:

-        June 16: Online workshop on non-destructive testing of wood-basedmaterial s & Energy- efficient mechatronics in wood

-        June 19: Online workshop on Lean methodology – next level

-        July 1-2: Join us at Clusters Meet Regions in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

We’re open to cooperation and invite Ukrainian companies to test the tools, join the training, and be part of the international conversation with DRWO4.0.