It's  A Grand Old Flag

...and the Stars and Stripes, believe it or not, still waves over a number of furniture factories in THIS country!  While we’ve seen the demise of a number of fine old companies and the exportation of manufacturing to Asia by many more, there are still thousands of Americans turning out high-quality home furnishings right here.

Many manufacturers build most or all of their collections in domestic factories rather than overseas.  There are several reasons for this.  We’ll take a look at the major ones.

First, the fine hardwoods that Americans prefer are generally unavailable in Asia.  Lumber has to be shipped across the Pacific, turned into finished products, and shipped back.  The price of oil makes this a losing proposition.

Second, the sheer size of upholstered furniture limits the amount that can be put into a shipping container so long-distance shipping isn’t cost-effective.  Leather furniture tends to be a different matter; few tanneries exist outside Asia due to environmental concerns.  The leather is produced in Asia, so it makes sense to produce leather furniture there.  Unfortunately, the market is flooded with inexpensive leather furniture, much of which is of questionable quality.  If you want the finest in leather furniture, stick with a reputable American manufacturer such as Hancock & Moore or Bradington-Young.  They use imported hides but are very selective and quality-conscious.

Finally, domestic factories are more easily managed.  Quality is more easily monitored when all that is required of management is a short walk into the plant for a hands-on inspection.  Production can be increased or decreased at will; improvements are easily implemented and quality control is tighter.  Be aware that some manufacturers source certain pieces - such as heavily carved items - from overseas while making the rest of the collection domestically. 

The roll of “homeland” manufacturers is long and distinguished.  Bowen Town & Country Furniture in Winston-Salem, NC is proud to offer fine home furnishings from many of them. Here are a few of the many companies who produce all -or at least the majority- of their products in the United States: C.R. Laine Upholstery, Hancock & Moore, Bradington-Young, Huntington House, Stanford Furniture, Linwood Furniture, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture, Stanley Furniture, Gat Creek, Keystone Collections, Bucks County Furniture, mattresses by Sealy, Carolina Mattress Guild, Rowe Furniture Company, Wesley Allen,  Leisters Furniture and many, many more.