Julius Berger steps up decor business

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is no more building roads alone. The company has entered décor business. This became apparent last Tuesday as AFP, furniture production facility of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc opened a showroom in Abuja. AFP, a Business Division of Julius Berger Nigeria produces wooden office and household furniture. Our reporter who visited the […]

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is no more building roads alone. The company has entered décor business. This became apparent last Tuesday as AFP, furniture production facility of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc opened a showroom in Abuja.
AFP, a Business Division of Julius Berger Nigeria produces wooden office and household furniture. Our reporter who visited the showroom reported that kitchen furniture, internal doors, wall and ceiling panels, partition walls, wooden and laminate flooring, settees, chairs, and window decorations were on display. Wood, the primary raw material is sourced locally. Products have diverse finishing ranging from laminated, polished and sprayed options.

When Daily Trust visited, head of AFP Furniture Production, Mr Mathias Moehrad was seen explaining to guests the various technologies involved in the company’s furniture. He said the company is poised for large turnkey project, mass production and delivers customized solutions for all requirements.
Mr Uche Uzoewulu, Sales Manager, AFP Furniture Production said AFP has one of the largest furniture factories in West Africa. He said his company is interested in stepping up modern interior design in Nigeria adding that the company brings new creative designs mixed with innovative home technology. He maintained that the products are renowned for quality and durability.
Uzoewulu said apart from giving clients opportunity to make choices in terms of colour, form and style, clients are allowed to be part of the furniture making process. They can discuss with architects and engineers and make choices.
It was observed that the kitchen model excited many visitors. The kitchen has a locally made granite counter. It has coffee machine, food warming drawer, gas cooker with oven, built in double fridge combination, dishwasher and exhaust hood that can absorb grease, smoke and heat and filters air in the kitchen. The kitchen has Miele appliances which promoters said they can last 20 years.
Close to the kitchen is the dining table. It is vinyl wood with wood chairs covered with fabric. There is local intelligent lighting solution to complement the furniture. Upholstery are mainly settees (one to six settees). They are made from local timber and local fabric. The Lounge is designed to have TV, photo and accessories spaces.
Doors have massive frames inside so they can be solid. This is unlike others which have Z-shaped pieces of wood which do not really hold the door firmly. While some of the doors are all wood, some have translucent glass panels. There are vinyl doors as well. The doors can be easily swung open and closed with crisp sound. On display were bedroom, bathroom and office decorations.
Bridget Emakpor, Senior Manager in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria who was fascinated by what she saw said for 15 years she had been patronizing Julius Berger. She described the products as “fantastic, durable and world class”.
She said, “It’s good. It’s part of my recommendations the last time I visited AFP in Idu, the factory. I said come on, a showroom should be in town. It’s not everybody that will have time to go all the way to Idu. Nobody knows Julius Berger does furniture. So I’m glad, I’m happy for Julius Berger, I’m happy for AFP.”
According to her, by producing furniture locally, Julius Berger will create employment and reduce capital flight. “We don’t have to import things from abroad. If they can use our locally made products to get this, it means we are top,” she noted.
Buyers of AFP furniture products include private individuals, corporate bodies and government organizations.