Custom work gives U.S. manufacturers an edge
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, January 20, 2008
Atlanta — Furniture buyers seeking one-of-a-kind custom merchandise found some sources here that many thought had all but disappeared from view — domestic manufacturers.
While few in number, the U.S. manufacturers said they had a strong showing at this month's Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.
Toccoa, Ga.-based Eddy West, a high-end manufacturer of case goods, home entertainment and home office furniture, has shown at the Atlanta show for 11 years. This month, it brought 250 items in its line. Craig Eddy, president and founder, said the company offers 70 finishes — which can result in hundreds of color combinations — and that the pieces also can be built to a specific scale for each customer.
Craig estimates that 30% of Eddy West's business is custom work, not including finishing.
"It gives us a little bit of an edge to compete with Asian imports," Eddy said, noting that designers are among its key clients. "We feel that is what is going to keep us going."
Another domestic manufacturer here was British Traditions, which makes an array of reproduction-style kitchen islands, hutches, dressers, bookshelves, chairs and entertainment consoles with English and French design influences. Like Eddy West, its specialty lies in finishing and other custom work, including size and scaling.
It also has some 70 finishes — which it touted as lead-free, in response to last year's recalls involving Chinese-made toys with lead paints. Customers also can select their own paint for an item.
"They can bring in a sketch of a piece they like and we can do it," said Joan Turbyfield showroom manager.
"People like the fact that we will be different from anybody else's (furniture)."
Southern Craftsmen's Guild touted its line of domestic dining, bedroom, home office and home entertainment and occasional furniture, produced in Mount Airy, Ga. Its pieces, made with New England white pine, are in American and English country traditional styling with Shaker and country Victorian influences. They also are available in 20 finishes.
"There are some customers that want to wave the made-in-the-U.S.A. flag," said Jim Marcengill, president and CEO. "It's kind of a cottage industry and the typical customer is a small- to medium-sized specialty shop."
He said a key advantage over importers is shipping times. Goods delivered to customers east of the Mississippi arrive in about six weeks, while West Coast orders arrive in six to eight weeks.
Marcengill estimated that his pieces are 10%-15% higher than comparable items from Asia. A two-piece buffet and hutch retails for about $1,800, while a companion plank top farmhouse table sells for about $950.
Another domestic manufacturer at the show was Westmoreland Woodworks, which produces a line of solid-pine and solid-maple dining and occasional products in 25 lead-free finishes.
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