Background and Importance of Jalisco’s Furniture Industry
Guadalajara, Jalisco – To further propel the furniture industry and maintain Jalisco’s prominent position in this sector, the Furniture Award 2025 was presented.
Antonio Lancaster Jones, coordinator of the Consejo de Cámaras Industriales de Jalisco, highlighted that “In Jalisco, the furniture industry goes beyond being a source of high-quality products; it is a crucial pillar for employment and economic development. Currently, over 26,300 people are employed in this sector, and approximately 2,700 furniture companies operate in our region.”
According to the business organization, the furniture industry ranks as the sixth-largest manufacturing export category in Mexico, and the country is the fifth-largest global exporter of furniture, trailing behind China, Germany, and Italy.
Award Recipients in Four Categories
In its second edition, the Cimejal Furniture Award (Jalisco Furniture Industry Chamber) was awarded to distinguished furniture entrepreneurs in four categories:
Felipe de Jesús del Toro
Director of Consorcio del Toro, a family-owned company established in 1971, focused on exporting furniture primarily to the United States and Canada (80% of its production). Now, the company aims at the national market with contemporary and premium-category furniture.
Ana Cornejo
CEO of Ana Cornejo Muebles, specializing in creating furniture, paintings, sculptures, and sacred art. Her furniture is recognized for using semi-precious woods, hand-carved details, and gold and silver leaf finishes.
José Francisco Aguirre
Director General of Panel Store, a company specializing in architectural design-focused coatings.
Cristina Castro Gurrola
General Manager of Master Kitchen, a company specializing in custom kitchen design, fabrication, and installation.
Evaluation Process
Participants underwent four stages of evaluation, where the committee assessed each candidate’s entrepreneur profile, professionalization, business scalability, innovation, design, management process implementation, strategies, planning systems, and sustainable operations-based growth.
Quotes from Award Organizers
Mercedes Abundis, president of the Association of Furniture Manufacturers of Jalisco (AFAMJAL), stated, “The purpose of our Furniture Award is to recognize the talent, creativity, and dedication each of you brings to the industry. Each award represents not only recognition but also an inspiration source for current and future generations.”
Rigoberto Chávez, coordinator of the recognition, added, “These awards reflect the commitment and responsibility that you, as entrepreneurs, have assumed with your industry, employees, and society.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Furniture Award 2025? The Furniture Award 2025 is an initiative to recognize and encourage talent, creativity, and dedication in Jalisco’s furniture industry.
- Why is Jalisco’s furniture industry significant? The furniture industry in Jalisco employs over 26,300 people and supports approximately 2,700 companies. It is a crucial pillar for economic development and ranks as the sixth-largest manufacturing export category in Mexico.
- Who were the award recipients and in which categories?
- Felipe de Jesús del Toro: Director of Consorcio del Toro, recognized for his focus on contemporary and premium-category furniture for the national market.
- Ana Cornejo: CEO of Ana Cornejo Muebles, recognized for her hand-carved furniture using semi-precious woods and precious metal leaf finishes.
- José Francisco Aguirre: Director General of Panel Store, recognized for architectural design-focused coatings.
- Cristina Castro Gurrola: General Manager of Master Kitchen, recognized for custom kitchen design, fabrication, and installation services.
- What was the evaluation process for the award recipients? Participants underwent four stages of evaluation, focusing on entrepreneur profiles, professionalization, business scalability, innovation, design, management processes, strategies, planning systems, and sustainable operations-based growth.
