Furniture Times

The plant in Lenoir, NC, used to manufacture Pacemaker case goods, but it has been idle since 2006. Furniture Brands CEO Ralph P. Scozzafava said the move will help Furniture Brands increase its production of upholstery furniture.

“With more than half a million square feet of space that is being configured for maximum efficiency, Pacemaker gives Furniture Brands a platform for the high-volume manufacture of a full range of upholstered products,” Scozzafava said.

Although some administrative and support positions will be consolidated as a result of the move, no manufacturing jobs will be cut. In fact, the company said the new plant could accommodate a larger workforce if the company adds more shifts.

“While the cost savings and efficiencies are important in this current environment, the real benefit comes from the ability to increase production rapidly as our upholstery business grows,” said Jeffrey L. Cook, President of Broyhill.

The company expects to spend about $3 million on the move, but hopes to save a total of $4.5 million through 2014 in economic development grants and tax relief.

Furniture Brands is one of the nation’s largest designers, manufacturers and retailers of home furnishings and includes brands such as Lane, Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Pearson, Hickory Chair, Laneventure and Maitland-Smith.