Dealers get close up look at C.R. Laine factory tour
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, September 18, 2005
Hickory, N.C. — A number of C.R. Laine Furniture dealers attended a two-day Learning at Laine session at the upholstery maker's factory here, seeing up close how the company creates hand-crafted custom seating.
"We wanted our retailers to experience first-hand how the processes at C.R. Laine translate into customized features and the benefits their client will embrace," said Warren Frye, the company's chief operating officer.
During a five-hour factory tour, Plant Manager Chris Ward guided the attendees through the entire manufacturing process.
Dealers learned C.R. Laine has the ability to produce any of 1,000-plus frames in any combination of 800 fabrics and trims, and also can use the customer's own material.
Attendees watched the same piece of furniture move through cutting, sewing, spring-up and upholstering, which the company said reinforces the attention it gives to detail during each process.
The tour also showcased lean manufacturing concepts, which the company said allows it to produce upholstery of high quality using a minimum of time and material.
"Each piece is a custom creation," said Ward. "Our furniture is built so many different ways, we knew the factory tour would be more meaningful if they were allowed to follow the same piece of furniture from start to finish."
Alice Stegall, C.R. Laine's merchandising manager, also offered sales training on topics including color and style trends.
"This group was particularly hungry to understand how the fabric selection process works," she said. "People like myself spend endless hours on research so we can make well-educated style decisions. Learning at Laine was a great opportunity for me to share the inspiration behind some of our newest fabric and frame introductions."
Judi Larkin, principal designer for Lark Interiors, a full-service design business in Paoli, Pa., said the tour left her excited and confident about the company.
"The condition and organization of the plant was very impressive," she said. "All of the innovations, planning and service to us as customers is outstanding."
Joanne Brisendine of Wood-Armfield Furniture in High Point, said C.R. Laine "exceeded any expectations that I had."
Her colleague, Matthew Rhyne, noted, "When I arrived (at C.R. Laine) there were many strangers. Now I feel like I have a bunch of good friends."
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