Harden Furniture to Modernize Factory

April 10, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on April 11, 2012

Expanding on existing lean manufacturing processes, Harden Furniture is planning a significant investment in new equipment and software.

Scheduled for installation in August the new equipment will incorporate new technology that will allow the 168-year-old company to convert some existing batch processes to a "batch one" system and improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance quality and allow greater flexibility in accommodating custom orders. 

"This investment, combined with perhaps the most talented cabinetmakers in the industry, establishes Harden as a technology and process leader, allowing us to add new dimensions to our product offering and marketing," said  Greg Harden, CEO of Harden.

The first products converted to the new process will be the company's Cabinetmaker's Cherry collection, with the expectation that additional hardwoods and case sizes will be available when the modernization project is complete. 

Harden's April High Point Market introductions will include a Cabinetmaker's Cherry serving console in solid black walnut and a second version offered in quarter-sawn white oak. Expanding on a custom finish program that features more than 40 finishes, the optional wood species will be available in an additional seven finishes.

The opportunity to appeal to consumers' appetites for custom products was critical in Harden's opinion. 

"The majority of our products are sold by design-focused retailers and design professionals," he said. "The ability to customize merchandise to match their client's needs is a critical issue for them, and a great opportunity for Harden."