Martin acquires Highland Design
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, January 11, 2009
SAN DIEGO — Home office and entertainment manufacturer and importer Martin Home Furnishings has acquired the assets of California-based Highland Design, a manufacturer of bedroom and dining case goods.
Highland Design is now Curt Christian Design by Martin. It becomes the second brand in Martin's portfolio, along with Kathy Ireland Home by Martin.
Martin Home Furnishings, formerly known as Martin Furniture, acquired the company from Curt Christian and has hired him as vice president of design, a new position where he will oversee product design for all categories. He reports to Gil Martin, president of Martin Home Furnishings.
Martin will show current and new Highland Design pieces in its showroom in Las Vegas next month in World Market Center Building A, space 1025.
The acquisition allows Martin to enter the bedroom, dining and occasional categories with established designs and sourcing and existing retail placements.
Highland Design's showroom, warehouse and customer service team will be consolidated into Martin's operations. All of the Curt Christian products are available to ship from Martin's San Diego warehouse, and customers can mix truckloads of Curt Christian products with Kathy Ireland Home products.
KI-Home bedroom and dining designs were not available to Martin because of other licensing agreements, and the company said in a press release that it wanted to enter those categories.
“We were looking for a company that could benefit immediately from our strengths while opening doors for us to new market segments, mainly bedroom and dining,” said Gil Martin.
“My experience as a brand partner with Kathy Ireland Home is so enriching that I can only hope our next venture in branding is as rewarding and successful,” Martin added.
Meanwhile, Highland Design's relationship with actress Jane Seymour has ended. The company had announced plans last year to launch a furniture line in partnership with the “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” and “Wedding Crashers” star.
According to Martin, Highland Design's strength is in creating fresh lifestyle looks with high production standards, including dovetail joinery, dust-protected drawers with full-suspension ball bearing glides, and complex multi-layered finishes.
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