Alan Kornblum acquires Reflections Furniture assets
He also owns upholstery source Distinctive Designs
Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, November 3, 2009
TORONTO — Industry veteran Alan Kornblum has acquired the trademarks and some assets of casual dining specialist Reflections Furniture Inds.Kornblum, who also owns and is president of upholstery producer and importer Distinctive Designs Furniture, said the new company will be called Reflections Furniture Inc. Its previous owner and founder, Stanley Mintz, will remain active in the 30-year old business as a consultant.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The new Reflections will be an independent company, not a subsidiary of Distinctive Designs, although in addition to common ownership, the brands will share some facilities and support services.
Reflections' head office and product development functions will be transferred to the Distinctive Design facilities here.
"The new company will not be manufacturing product domestically," Mintz said. "However, many of the current important and winning styles will continue to be offered to retailers, along with many new exciting products in both metal and wood."
In recent years, Reflections has scaled back its Canadian production capacity, although it continued to build prototypes in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge. Several years ago, Mintz invested in a factory in China, where the company's product line is made under the supervision of Reflections' quality control team.
In downsizing, Mintz has sold the Woodbridge facility and Reflections' showroom in High Point.
Alan Mintz, Stan's brother, partner and Reflections' longtime vice president of sales, will remain with the new company. However, he is taking an extended vacation and is expected to return to work in a few months time.
Jim Nopper, Reflections' longtime general manager, also will remain with the new company in that role.
"We believe that Reflections Furniture is the best in the segment," Kornblum said, adding, "Combining what is already there with the resources and expertise we already have committed to the business, I have every confidence that Reflections will thrive in this difficult environment and continue to grow going forward."
Kornblum said existing Reflections retail customers should notice no interruption in product flow and service. "The new Reflections will continue to service the products already purchased by customers and will cover any outstanding legitimate warranty claims," he said.
In a separate announcement, Kornblum said that a recent fire at the Distinctive Designs factory caused minimal damage — mostly from smoke — and that he expects full operations to resume no later than Monday, Nov. 9.
Distinctive Designs also is seeking a new vice president of sales after the recent departure of Ron Balzer.
