Ebert's new company offering flag display tables made in United States
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, November 26, 2006
Hickory, N.C. — A former Lane and Hickory Chair executive hopes to appeal to consumers' patriotism with a line of occasional display tables produced in the United States.
John Ebert's first products at United Displays of America, a company he formed about four months ago, will be tables designed to display the American flag.
Ebert said he has seen many flag display boxes that originate overseas, even if they might be assembled or finished at U.S. plants.
"A lot of these flag boxes are made offshore," said Ebert, an Army veteran, noting that some are from communist countries like China and Vietnam. "I just felt like something like this needed to be made in the United States."
The line, which will be made of solid Pennsylvania cherry, was created with the help of Kenneth DeWitt, a former Lane designer. Pieces will be made at the Leister Furniture factory in Hanover, Pa.
Available in a traditional cherry finish, the five initial SKUs will retail between $299 and $399. They will be sold online at www.uniteddisplaysofamerica.com, but eventually may be sold through wholesalers as well, Ebert said.
Ebert, who retired in 2001 after more than 40 years in the industry, oversaw Hickory Chair's case goods division from 1994 until his retirement in 2001, and Lane's accent division from 1985 to 1994. Earlier, he worked at manufacturers John Widdicomb and Karges.
Ebert said he expects his first customers will be agencies that deal with veterans, but expects to sell the tables mainly to individuals for home use. Along with flags, he said, the cases can be used for medals, scouting awards or other memorabilia.
He said that if the line is successful he may add more SKUs, but will continue producing in the U.S. factory.
"This is not going to be cheap product, but it doesn't look like cheap product either," Ebert said. "I just thought that there are enough people that would want a home-made American product."
-
Flag-display tables now offered at wholesale
Jan 20, 2008 -
Flag display table seller targets stores
Dec 26, 2007 -
Klaussner promotes 2
Jan 18, 2009
Featured Company
-
FurnitureCore.com
FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
