Sauder Celebrates 75 Years With Limited Edition Table

December 16, 2009  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on December 17, 2009 Sauder Woodworking, Archbold, Ohio, is re-issuing the company's original ready-to-assemble table, created by Erie Sauder in 1951, in celebration of the company's 75th anniversary--and in response to requests from a major customer.

The table, North America's first patented RTA design is re-debuting as a limited edition replica in January 2010.

"My grandfather invented the RTA industry with this design, and our replica is a tangible way to celebrate a landmark anniversary year for the company," says Kevin Sauder, president and CEO. "The table's go-anywhere good looks and function-oriented design make it as appealing and useful in the 21st century as it was in the 20th."

Sauder had displayed the historic table at the September 2009 Las Vegas Market, and buyers from Walmart.com asked for more.

"They approached us with the suggestion of making replica tables, because they believe the design is in tune with today's market-place," Sauder explains. "A faithful copy of the original, the new table is made from wood scraps generated by Sauder's church furniture division--just as the first one was."
   
The reissue of the ground-breaking table, patented in 1953, will be confined to 500 numbered units, to be sold exclusively through Walmart.com and the Sauder Store and Outlet in Archbold, Ohio. Each table will be signed by Erie's sons, Maynard Sauder, chairman, and Myrl Sauder, senior research engineer; and Erie's grandson, Kevin. Packaging for the anniversary edition will include copies of the vintage table's original instructions and labels.

"This table was green from the very beginning, and with the 2010 edition, the design has come full circle," Sauder noted. "It€™s a powerful symbol of American inventiveness and responsible stewardship, qualities that resonate with the concerns of today's consumers."

Erie Sauder€™s first design was made from poplar and other inexpensive wood scraps from his fine woodworking business.  The 2010 table replicates the original process, in an upscale interpretation: the reissued table is being produced in solid cherry with a rich finish, using pew scraps from Sauder's contemporary church furniture/contract seating division, Sauder Manufacturing.

In its initial incarnation, each table typically retailed for $9.95. Translated into current dollars, the original cost equates to a 75th anniversary appropriate $75, which is the suggested retail price for this one-time reproduction offering.