Stanley takes care in adding imports
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 3, 2002
HIGH POINT — HIGH POINT — Stanley Furniture might be closing one of its U.S. plants, but the case goods manufacturer says it remains committed to domestic manufacturing and its attendant control over quality and service.
Stanley gradually has incorporated imported components and full pieces into its line in a way it hopes will make its domestic plants more productive, said Jeff Scheffer, president and chief operating officer.
The company now sources its bunk beds for youth and components for master case goods, and will expand into other youth beds and chairs for new dining groups.
Imports will be a larger factor in product introductions now on the drawing board. On a cost basis, Stanley expects to source about 10% of its product overseas this year. But the number could reach 30% in two or three years, said Albert Prillaman, chairman and chief executive officer.
To make sure import quality and delivery matched domestic production, Stanley took its time finding sources overseas.
"There's a follow-the-herd mentality regarding imports, and we've been different from a lot of people in that we went slowly," said Scheffer.
By incorporating imports, Stanley has increased its capacity and the value of its domestic production, he added.
"The value of a dresser or nightstand on a finishing palette is much greater than a headboard, so you have more dollar volume going through the finishing," he said.
"It takes three weeks to get here, too, so your forecasting systems have to be sound," Scheffer said. "You have to manage that with a little inventory, too."
He added that Stanley believes it is well on the road to reaching a good level of domestic capacity blended with imports.
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