Berne president hopes to resume production
Company seeking new investor, says Yager
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, May 30, 2008
BERNE, Ind. — Upholstery maker Berne Furniture Co.’s president and CEO says he hopes to reopen the company and is seeking a new investor.
The 83-year-old midpriced upholstery manufacturer has ceased production at its plant here, idling about 20 employees.
“The company is in reorganization,” said Berne President Jay Yager, who also is one of the company’s owners. “We’re closed at the current time but we do have plans to reopen with a new investor. We don’t have our plans finalized and we cannot quote a definite restart date at this time.”
Because of the uncertainty, Berne is not accepting new orders, he said.
The company’s workforce had dwindled from 125 two years ago to 20 recently. On its Web site, Berne says it has 250 accounts, including longtime dealers loyal to its fabric and leather sofas, sectionals, chairs and ottomans, but that number may have dwindled as well.
Yager said he is talking to prospective investors and is “considering all reasonable business proposals.” He can be reached by e-mail at jayjyager@berne.com.
According to the company’s Web site, Berne Furniture was founded in 1925 by furniture retailer L. Lawrence Yager, Jay Yager’s grandfather.
