Flatpack Empire

Original version

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Documentaries

Factual

A behind-the-scenes look at IKEA, one of the world's most recognisable brands.

A behind-the-scenes look at IKEA, one of the world's most successful, enigmatic and recognisable global brands.

BBC Scotland

BBC Two Scotland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

A BBC TV channel for Scotland which will broadcast every evening and will show drama, factual, comedy and news programmes made in Scotland

BBC Scotland HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

Tom Barry

Tom Swingler

Liesel Evans

Rob Farquhar

Raw TV

Clara Thomas

Flatpack Empire: Series 1: Episode 2

flatpack-empire_s01_e02_130218_pp.jpg

Episode 2

Series 1

BBC Two - Flatpack Empire, Series 1, Episode 2

What does it take to get new products from initial design to stores around the world?

Documentary series about Ikea, one of the world's most recognisable brands. What does it take to get new products from initial design to stores around the world?

Ikea is not like any other company - the Swedish furniture retailer is driven by a powerful philosophy, to 'create a better everyday life for the many people', and with 900 million customers a year, this series goes behind the scenes to find the secret to its global success. With unprecedented access to Ikea's design studios, factories, test labs and stores over the course of a year, we get to know the people who work for the famous company, and explore how they are opening up and massively expanding around the world.

In episode two, we see what it takes to get new products from initial design to stores around the world. One of Ikea's newest designers, Hanna-Kaarina Heikkila, wants to challenge mass production by creating an 'imperfect vase' that has the fingermarks of the creator - she travels to China to see if her idea is possible.

We visit the home of the Billy bookcase to see what it takes to be a supplier for Ikea, as they try to pitch for a new range of wardrobes. Will they pass the stringent tests that the company demands? And we see what it takes to open a new store in Sheffield, recruiting hundreds of new co-workers who need to display the unique culture and values of the company. But with delays to construction, will the store open on time?

Flatpack Empire: Series 1

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

A behind-the-scenes look at IKEA, one of the world's most recognisable global brands.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Flatpack Empire

Series 1

Episode 2

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Two Northern Ireland

About BBC Two