Berkline to Create Exclusive Home Theater Seating Line for Brunswick Billiards

June 8, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Home Theater on June 2008 Upholstery manufacturer Berkline and Brunswick Billiards are teaming to create a new line of home theater seating for Brunswick that represents the company’s first effort in this fast-growing home entertainment category.

“Home theater seating is the most exciting and explosive growth segment in upholstered furniture today,” said Grey Hunsucker, Berkline vice president and national sales manager. “Dedicated rooms with flat screen TVs and upscale video equipment are becoming commonplace in the housing market both in new construction and remodeling.”

Installed home theaters and multi-room audio systems are expected to grow from $6 billion in 2007 to more than $11 billion in 2012, according to Parks Associates.

“We know home entertainment,” said Debbie Groshek, managing director, Brunswick Billiards. “The home seating category is an ideal fit for Brunswick’s dealers and customers.”

Three home theater seating styles will be built by Berkline for Brunswick. Two versions will be contemporary styling, the third a transitional model. Prices will start at $1,249 MSRP per seat and will be available for shipment in early summer 2008.

The product was unveiled April 22 at Brunswick’s Business Enrichment Conference. The conference is an annual convention of Brunswick’s dealer network, which will sell the product in Brunswick’s more than 300 dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada.

The product will also be available for purchase through Brunswick’s Web site, www.brunswickbilliards.com

The Berkline-Brunswick home theater seating partnership combines Berkline’s reputation and depth of manufacturing experience with Brunswick’s extensive marketing expertise, brand-name recognition and strong dealer network.

“Berkline is by far the largest producer of home theater seating in the industry,” said Hunsucker. “Our history of success in this product line was a major factor in bringing Berkline and Brunswick together. Our partnership with Brunswick is a tangible example of Berkline’s focus on staying on the leading edge of industry innovation and creativity.”

Hunsucker added that Brunswick’s dealers will be a key factor in the success of the new line.

“The Brunswick retail format is exciting,” he said. “The company’s dealers create an experience for the consumer, and their sales associates are well-trained and knowledgeable of their products. We believe Brunswick’s desire to enter this new business, coupled with their proven marketing capabilities and Berkline’s strength in the home theater seating category, are winning formulas for all parties.”