Investor buys T.L. Bayne Co.
Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, January 27, 2008
Harlan, Ky. — Midpriced upholstery manufacturer T.L. Bayne Co. here has been sold to Chattanooga, Tenn., investor and business owner Tommy Caldwell for an undisclosed amount.
Caldwell will take over the 34-year-old company next month as president and CEO, succeeding owner Teddy L. Bayne, who is retiring.
Bayne launched the company in 1973 as Georgia Furniture Mfg., and in 1986 renamed it Fortress Inc. In 1994, the company moved from Georgia to a new plant in Harlan, and was named T.L. Bayne Co.
The company said it sells to 1,450 accounts from Maine to Texas, ranging from small independents to Top 100 stores, with 1,075 accounts active this year. Volume wasn't disclosed.
T.L. Bayne Co. has about 100 employees and manufactures in a 50,000-square-foot facility.
"The company has a good name and a quality product, so a lot of the work has been done for us," said Caldwell, a longtime floor covering executive and lately involved in residential and commercial real estate and construction. "Our plan is to be absolutely the best partner we can be to our retailers."
He said he plans to grow sales in existing and new territories, and continue to update the line. The company also plans a larger Internet presence and intends "to do a better job marketing ourselves. We need to tell our story, loudly and clearly."
At one time the company exhibited in Atlanta, but currently isn't showing in High Point or Las Vegas. That could change, Caldwell said.
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I bought a couch and chair from this furniture brand because I thought it was a good investment. It did not matter what the cost was because it had a 10 year warranty on it. I did not think a company would put a warranty on something that would not last. I went back to the furniture store and asked what could be done about this. The manager said that it had to be a defect in the frame. The cushions had dropped and the pieces from the front of the furniture had started to come a loose. I felt like I had paid to much money for this to happen.
Nicole Locklear - 2009-8-7 11:28:59 EDT -
I bought a Bayne couch and loveseat 7 years ago. We couldnt of bought anything better. The cushions are still like they were when got new, thay never have
gone flat. The material has held up very well and the springs have never broken. Thay have had everyday use from laying on them, sleeping, sitting and 2 small kids bouncing on them everyday. I would not have any other brand in my home. Thanks T.L bayne Co. for great guality and years of use!!!
michelle - 2009-19-5 00:11:13 EDT -
Our family has owned a sofa from your company for three years. At first I loved the way it felt when sitting upon it but over time it has given a sinking feeling when sitting on it and has begun to hurt my back. Is there anything that can be done to improve this situation. The cushions are very soft but more importantly, it does not feel all that supportive in the spring mechanism. The covering over the springs is very thin with nothing between the covering and springs as in other furniture we have. Suggestions? My husband is planning to put a piece of particle board under the cushions and my son is interested in changing out the material in the cushions to a much firmer material. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The fabric has held up very well but I am disappointed in the lack of support I have in this sofa.
Pat Wichael - 2008-23-12 14:01:11 EST
Michels in Chapter 11
12/07/2009Midpriced upholstery maker T.L. Bayne sold
12/06/2007Texas upholsterer Smith closing
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