Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
May 10,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on May 11, 2011
Patrick Smith has been named national sales manager for
Watkins & Shepard Trucking, a transportation supplier for the home furnishings industry.
In his new position, Smith is responsible for managing the company's sales force, business development and will serve as the liaison between operations, pricing and sales. He will be based in the company's Helena, Mont., headquarters.
Watkins and Shepard is proud of our position as one of the leading providers of transportation to the home furnishings industry with our furniture and carpet distribution programs," said Ray Kuntz, CEO. "As the economy recovers the opportunities and demands for quality, damage free, on time deliveries will grow. Pat has the right experience to keep our sales and operations staff focused on providing the best service in the industry, which has always been our goal. We are proud to have him on board.
Smith has more than 25 years experience in the furniture and home furnishings supply chain management, including operations, sales, warehousing, inventory management, packaging design, domestic and international logistics and final mile delivery.
This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a team of professionals dedicated to providing the home furnishings industry with exceptional value and service, Smith said. Our broad menu of service offerings that include LTL, TL, warehousing, container devanning, and distribution of home furnishings and flooring products through our network of 19 terminals in North America positions Watkins & Shepard as the leader in the industry.
Watkins & Shepard operates more than 600 power units and 1,500 trailers in the U.S. and western Canada. The company employs more than 1,000 people.
May 10,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on May 11, 2011
International Bedding will open a 15,000-square-foot research and development center to house product research, design and testing. The facility will open early next year.
This decision not only reflects our firm commitment to IBs future but also demonstrates the tremendous importance we place on innovation, quality and the ethic of continuous improvement at our company, Jeff Maillet, CEO, said.
According to Mark Wozniak, vice president of marketing, IBs new R&D center will occupy an existing, single-story building thats adjacent to the producers 100,000-square-foot factory in Orlando, Fla. The center will include a showroom to display and present the company's product lines and marketing programs.
This decision also makes logistical sense, Wozniak said, in that it positions IBs corporate headquarters, local manufacturing facility and the new research center and showroom all in close proximity.
Were a company that has always focused on exploring bold ideas, using the best quality materials and holding ourselves to the highest possible standards, he said. As such, were very excited about how this development will further elevate the design and performance of sleep products that carry the International Bedding brand.
Plans for modifying and equipping the building will begin shortly, and the company expects the showroom to be completed and ready for product presentations as early as this fall.
International Bedding owns and operates manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Texas.
May 10,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on May 11, 2011
Six new exhibitors will join the International Textile Market Association for this summer's
Showtime, June 5-8 in High Point.
"Our growing membership and the quality of their products indicate that Showtime is considered a valuable venue for buyers and sellers of home décor covering," said Catherine Morsell, executive director of ITMA.
The new members are:
A.G. Reilly;
Harry Harry Fabrics;
Rennie & Rose;
Kucukerler Textiles Inds.; True North Fabrics; and
Z-Wovens.
More than 800 buying companies attend Showtime each June and December.
Founded in 1990, ITMA is a non-profit trade association, consisting of mills, converters, tanneries and trimming manufacturers that supply decorative coverings for the home furnishings industry.
May 9,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on May 10, 2011
Kurt Von De Bur has joined rug vendor Surya as vice president of national accounts.
He is responsible for the development and growth of existing national accounts, as well as developing new business relationships. Von De Bur is part of the newly formed National Accounts division, headed by Senior Vice President of National Accounts Paul Sullivan.
"Kurt has been a well respected sales leader in our industry for many years," said Satya Tiwari, president of Surya. "He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our company."
Von De Bur formerly was vice president of sales for Orian Rugs, and prior to that was eastern regional manager for United Weavers.
"I am thrilled to have the privilege of working with a customer focused, marketing driven company like Surya," Von De Bur said. "I look forward to helping build on the strong foundation Surya has established over the past 35 years."
Surya is a vertically integrated manufacturing company established in India in 1976 and a leading source for complete accessory solutions, supplying area rugs, wall decor, and textiles. Surya currently exhibits in Atlanta, High Point, Las Vegas, New Delhi and New York.
May 9,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on May 10, 2011
The Sustainable Furnishings Council will host a free "Sustainability Essentials Webinar" on Monday, May 16 at 1 p.m. EST.
The one-hour webinar provides a grounding in the environmental issues related to home furnishings, including the factual basis for climate change, problems with indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation. Source documents are public records such as the U.N. IPCC 4th Assessment Report and the U.S. EPA, will be translated from technical jargon into easily understood concepts with common references all explicitly linked to the home furnishings industry.
Content also includes a synopsis of the GREENleaders certified sustainability training course. The webinar is intended to give participants useful information they can begin using in their business immediately as well as answer questions about getting the most out of SFC membership and participating in the full exam program to receive credentials as a local expert in green furnishings.
To reserve a seat at the webinar, follow this link.