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Stickley acquires Cibola assets

By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, February 22, 2004

MANLIUS, N.Y. — MANLIUS, N.Y. — L.&J.G. Stickley has acquired the assets of a high-end leather producer Cibola and will relaunch the line as Craftsman Leather by Stickley at the April market in High Point.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Stickley will show the new Craftsman line in its High Point showroom and will manufacture the product at its Stickley Fine Upholstery plant in Archdale, N.C. Cibola had been a supplier to Stickley's retail division and Stickley had made some leather in its own upholstery line, but this represents its large-scale entry into the category.

Founded in 1993, Hickory, N.C.-based Cibola had 65 employees, down from a peak of 110. Stickley said it will interview former Cibola employees for possible rehire and transfer to the Archdale plant.

Ron Sock, former president of Cibola, and Jeff McKinney, former production manager, will be instrumental in the transition and relaunch, Stickley officials said.

"It is our intention to take the best of Cibola and build upon it," said Alfred Audi, president of Stickley. "This is consistent with our long-standing belief that the high end is alive and well in America."

The Cibola line had featured a mix of U.S.-made and imported high-end leather seating, case goods and occasional.

"For the immediate future, our interest is in the leather upholstery," said Aminy Audi, president of Stickley's retail division, Stickley, Audi & Co. "The case pieces could come at a future date.

"Like Stickley, Cibola had high-end leather and we want to stay in this niche and with this look under the Stickley brand," she said.

The Audis said their interest in Cibola stems from the success the Stickley retail division had in selling the product over the past five years.

"We like the comfort and the distinctive designs," Aminy Audi said. "While we are aware of the intensely competitive nature of the leather business, we believe there is room at the top for a uniquely styled and well-made product."

Cibola distributed product to 300 dealers in the United States and Canada. Stickley will continue to sell the line through its retail showrooms and high-end dealers. "We also will look at the Cibola network of distribution as well as at new dealers, which could serve as dedicated dealers," said Aminy Audi.

Alfred and Aminy Audi purchased Stickley in 1974 and John Widdicomb in 2002.

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