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Miles Talbott, Lefa launch joint venture to create, sell product

Will focus on production in Western Hemisphere

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, September 7, 2011

HIGH POINT — High Point upholstery producer Miles Talbott and international sales and consulting organization Lefa Inc., headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa., with case goods manufacturing facilities in Latin America, have announced the formation of ML Brands International.

The companies said the joint venture will offer the home furnishings industry licensing and brand management services, including product design and development, merchandising, sales and marketing.

Production will take place at the venture's facilities in the U.S. and Latin America, creating factory-direct manufacturing capabilities.

By vertically integrating sales, marketing and manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere, the new partners said MLBI is able to bypass third-party outsourcing fees and extended supply chains. This assures shorter product lead times for global home furnishing brands and greater earnings growth potential, according to a company news release.

MLBI said it also will offer a comprehensive assortment of additional home furnishings, including lamps, rugs, tabletop decorative accessories and linens, through a group of affiliated companies.

Rob Casey, former manager of licensing programs for Polo Ralph Lauren and Martha Stewart, is the managing partner for the new venture.

"Miles Talbott and Lefa, for over half a century combined, have developed an expertise for delivering to the marketplace better-end home products bearing superior quality, price and value," Casey said.

Case said "a major home brand" was signed earlier this summer for its client roster and would be identified in the near future.

George Jordan, president of Miles Talbott, said that MLBI has been approached by a number of better-end brands interested in exploring licensing agreements.

"Because of the rising wages in China and the Pac-Rim, and the costs associated with long lead containers, a lot of people are taking another look at producing their goods in the Western Hemisphere," Jordan said. "As the East-West price gap narrows, brands and retailers have expressed interest in products manufactured in closer proximity to North American market."

MLBI is headquartered in Miles Talbott's corporate offices at 1690 English Rd. in High Point.

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Miles Talbott, Lefa Forming ML Brands

Sep 16, 2011

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