Established in 2017, MAKIBA is a prominent French manufacturer specializing in ergonomic standing desks. The company’s mission is twofold: to combat sedentary behaviors and enhance the quality of work life, all while championing sustainability through eco-design practices and utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
In collaboration with a diverse array of regional, national, and European companies, MAKIBA commits to delivering products of high quality, durability, and performance. This collaborative approach ensures that our standing desks meet the highest standards, offering clients innovative solutions for healthier and more sustainable workspaces.
Indeed, sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility form the foundation of MAKIBA’s product development process. Deeply rooted in the principles of Circular Economy, the company’s approach revolves around key tenets such as reusing, upcycling, and recycling, ensuring that every facet of their product life cycle aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
Interview with Franck Taverriti, CEO & Co-Founder of MAKIBA.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Franck Taverriti: MAKIBA primarily engages in Business-to-Business trading, dedicated to helping companies foster healthier working environments for their collaborators. Opting for our standing desks provides our clients with advantages that significantly contribute to their long-term success. This includes an enhanced Quality of Work Life, leading to increased productivity, and the cultivation of a positive employer brand.
Through a robust network of subcontractors and distributors, MAKIBA is well-equipped to provide highly customized solutions tailored to fit the unique requirements of any project.
E.E: What are the news about new products?
F.T: A non-electrical frame is currently in development to provide an energy-independent alternative to our existing electrical products.
Additionally, we are actively working on introducing a range of circular products through reconditioning. This initiative aims at providing more affordable options for our customers while reinforcing our commitment to an eco-friendly design approach.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
F.T: A professional range, meticulously designed to integrate into various office settings with, for example:
- Elliot: A versatile, mobile, and modular piece that serves as more than just furniture; it transforms into an improvised meeting table among its many other functionalities.
- Ines: Your new ally for fostering productive meetings and collaborative workspaces.
- Storm: Developed in collaboration with a design agency, this desk is ergonomic and stylish.
A Circular Economy range, with a first product called Harry. Crafted with sustainability in mind, Harry is 100% upcycled and made in France. Sourced from materials within the circular economy, it promotes environmentally conscious practices. Harry facilitates seamless transitions between sitting and standing positions, adapting to any desk or table. Thanks to its stability, it isa reliable addition to any workspace.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
F.T: The French market is experiencing significant growth. We now notice that all new calls for bids (private or public) include requests for sit-stand options, which was not the case three years ago. However, the market is still in its infancy and holds a promising future.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
F.T: Firstly, we see a growing trend of the home aesthetic entering the workplace; professional furniture is increasingly drawing inspiration from domestic, consensus-driven designs, including pastel colors.
Secondly, there is a substantial development in offerings related to communal spaces and “soft seating” options, such as sofas in reception areas, among other things.
Lastly, there is a growing awareness of health considerations and the impact of sedentary behavior. This is where MAKIBA comes into play.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
F.T: ICARE: The telecom datacenter’s dedicated trolley, providing telecom datacenter operators the ability to install high-value equipment without risk, while also enabling them to work under improved conditions.
UgoBench: A modular bench system that facilitates the transition from two individual workstations to a bench format (two interconnected frames). Ideal for spaces with a high number of workstations, they can be securely fastened together.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the rest of 2023?
F.T: We are entering the busiest phase of our operations as we collaborate extensively with ergonomists on these topics toward the end of the year.