U.S. Timberlake plant sought
Lexington continues to import some of the line
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, January 29, 2006
Lexington, N.C. — Lexington Home Brands, which closed its last U.S. plant in December, is looking at other domestic facilities to produce part of its long-running The World of Bob Timberlake collection.
A wire report last week, which Furniture/Today posted on its Web site, said Timberlake's licensed line was in jeopardy because of an impasse between the popular North Carolina artist/designer and the manufacturer on whether Timberlake goods would be made domestically or overseas.
Both sides said that story wasn't completely accurate.
Lexington CEO Bob Stec said the Timberlake line isn't quite as strong as it once was, but still is a successful group. The company has been pleased with sales of Salt Aire, he said, a 40-piece, full-line, imported collection in a cottage/coastal style that joined the Timberlake fold in October.
Lexington and Timberlake have a long-term licensing agreement, Stec noted.
"We have agreed that the original (Timberlake) product will continue to be made domestically," said Stec. "The new introduction will continue to be an import line."
On Jan. 20, N.C. Gov. Mike Easley awarded Timberlake the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor the state bestows on a citizen. In an interview after the ceremony, Timberlake was asked about the furniture line. "They've stopped making it now, but they are seeking to still make it domestically," Timberlake was quoted as saying in the wire report. "They've stockpiled quite a lot of it."
The two sides did have discussions about moving all of Timberlake's groups offshore, but Bob Timberlake didn't want that, said Dan Timberlake, the artist's son and chief operating officer and general counsel of Bob Timberlake Inc., which controls the artist's license. His father simply said to keep it in the United States or let it die out, Dan Timberlake said.
Stec said Lexington has several plants in mind for where domestic production could continue. In the meantime, the company has a healthy supply of Timberlake goods in stock to service retailers. Whatever plant is chosen will provide the service and quality expected by Timberlake customers, he said.
Dan Timberlake said he was glad that Lexington wants to continue the line and looks forward to hearing about any new developments.
-
Lexington Dropping Bob Timberlake Line
Dec 15, 2010 -
Najarian enters youth bedroom category
Mar 13, 2012 -
Vaughan-Bassett invests $8M to boost capacity
Feb 22, 2012
Featured Company
-
Wright Labels
Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
