Mike Mebane CEO at Linwood Furniture

March 7, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 8, 2011

Mike Mebane has joined case goods furniture manufacturer Linwood Furniture in the new position of CEO.

A High Point native, Mebane worked for many years with chemical fibers company Unifi Inc. (NYSE: UFI) as the company grew from $350 million to more than $1.7 billion in sales. His positions included director of industrial engineering, vice president of strategic planning, vice president of international operations, division president and a member of the company€™s executive committee. Mebane has worked in 25 nations throughout the world, and as a consultant he has helped a number of large and small companies through challenging periods.

At Linwood Furniture, Linwood, N.C., Mebane's goals are clear cut: "We have the opportunity to become known for customization of our products and of our finishes, and for providing short runs when quick delivery is needed," he said. "We want to augment the global supply footprint as we strengthen national distribution and expand our dealer base."
 
Manufacturers and retailers are rediscovering not only the advantages but the competitive value of domestic production, and Mebane said these shifts in the marketplace have opened new opportunities for Linwood to attract new investors, new channels of distribution, and experienced industry executives that will broaden and deepen its business model.
 
"There is a significant macro economic shift that is creating a new supply chain model requiring supply partners to be closer to dealers and to literally shift gears in response to market demands," he said. "Energy costs are rising, international labor costs are rising, shipping costs are rising and currency fluctuations are routine.
 
"Domestic production makes new business sense to ensure a reliable supply chain, particularly as we emerge from the recession and retail dealers find that they need product quickly. At Linwood, we want to leverage the tightening business model as a highly nimble resource focused on the needs and wants of the consumer and as a manufacturer well equipped to meet the constantly changing demands of the marketplace."

Linwood was founded six years ago as a dream of artist and furniture designer Bob Timberlake to keep and create furniture manufacturing jobs in North Carolina. With a dozen of its own branded collections, the company also serves as a leading domestic OEM producer for other residential and contract furniture brands. As a totally domestic resource, every element in each piece of Linwood Furniture, from the raw lumber, adhesives and finishes to component parts and hardware, is made in the United States and often in North Carolina. The manufacturing line is set up for flexibility to accommodate orders of all sizes, to produce the Kaleidoscope program with its 500 different finishes, and to ship products in just three weeks, or less, from the date of the order.