EBRD and EU help Ukrainian lighting company boost efficiency amid war

This article is brought to you in association with EBRD.

Pikart Lights began its journey in the vibrant Ukrainian city of Lviv back in 2006, driven by a passion for exquisite lighting design. Founded by Ihor Chuba and Orest Kanych, the company initially focused on producing custom-made chandeliers and lamps, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. When Andriy, Ihor’s son, took over his passion for design and dedication to quality quickly set Pikart apart.

“We have many collections developed by our designers that we sell in Ukraine and partially abroad,” Andriy explains. Over the years, Pikart’s unique designs caught the eye of high-end hotels and restaurants, cementing its reputation for quality and innovation.

Its commitment to excellence has seen Pikart’s lights illuminate spaces not just in Ukraine, but also in Sweden, Ireland, Great Britain, France and the United States. The company’s growth was steady until February 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought unforeseen challenges.

Navigating early challenges and surviving amid war

The early days were not without hurdles. Establishing a foothold in a market dominated by mass-produced imports required persistence and ingenuity. Pikart’s commitment to bespoke designs and high-quality materials soon paid off, however, earning it a loyal customer base. The company expanded its product range and ventured into new markets, steadily building its brand.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 posed an unprecedented challenge. Orders dwindled and the future seemed uncertain. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, the business was in shock,” Andriy recalls. But adversity often breeds innovation and within a few months Pikart had revamped its marketing strategies and orders began to flow again, including a significant project for a hotel in California.

The war, however, has not only affected business but also the people behind it. Many of the designers Pikart was working with relocated abroad, continuing their work from new countries, thus expanding Pikart’s international footprint. Despite this, the company remains committed to its roots, with 90 per cent of its products still sold within Ukraine.

Pikart’s story is not just one of business acumen but also of deep human connection. “It is one of my duties to be a good employer, manage all processes and worry not only about employees, but also about their family members who need attention and empathy during these times,” Andriy shares.

Support from international partners

Support from international partners has been crucial. The EBRD together with the European Union via their joint initiative, the EBRD’s EU4Business Credit Line, enabled Pikart to acquire a state-of-the-art moulding machine for die-casting aluminium. This investment has significantly enhanced production efficiency.

“It used to take five hours to produce a moulded fitting on the old machine, but now it only takes two hours and fifteen minutes,” Andriy notes. This upgrade has not only halved production time but also cut labour costs, making Pikart more competitive.

Looking ahead: global ambitions

With a firm eye on the future, Pikart Lights aims to expand its presence in European and American markets. Andriy believes that Ukrainian products can stand toe-to-toe with their global counterparts, bringing a touch of Ukraine to homes and businesses worldwide. “We are very talented and capable of making very good products that are in no way inferior to European or American ones,” he asserts.

Pikart Lights exemplifies how dedication, innovation and community spirit can overcome the most daunting challenges. From its humble beginnings in Lviv to illuminating spaces around the globe, Pikart Lights continues to shine brightly, a beacon of Ukrainian resilience and creativity.