Trinity Furniture rewarded for efforts [exporting American-made furniture to 20 countries]

Courier-Tribune ^ | Jan 7, 2004 | JD Walker

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TRINITY - A third Randolph County company has been recognized by the U.S. Department of

Commerce for the success of its international trade efforts.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., presented Trinity Furniture with the Export Achievement Award.

"This is a success story," Coble told the audience. "And success stories don't just happen." Coble added Trinity Furniture's success is especially noteworthy in the context of the past several years of "tight times" for the country in general and the furniture industry specifically.

"This is for you all. Thank you," said Jorge Lagueruela, Trinity Furniture president, to the company's 50-plus employees upon accepting the award. The award was presented at a company luncheon following a plant tour.

The Export Achievement Award recognizes the successful export initiatives of small- and medium-sized companies. The payoff for companies that export is maintaining a competitive position in the global marketplace, said John Schmonsees, International trade representative with the U.S. Commerce Department.

"Trinity Furniture is a shining example to all domestic companies of how to market and sell your product overseas, " he said.

Asheboro Elastics Corp. and Sealy, both in Randolph County, have also been recognized for their success in exporting.

Trinity Furniture has been a leading manufacturer of traditional and transitional executive wood furniture since its inception in March of 1984. The company sells products in approximately 20 countries accounting for over 39 percent of total sales.

It is also the principal supplier of seating and tables to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Architect of the Capital, the U.S. District Courts and U.S. embassies and military bases around the world.

The company began as a private labeling manufacturer and supplied seating for such clients as Hekman Furniture, Stanley Furniture, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's.

Trinity Furniture acquired its first government executive wood contract in 1985. The current manufacturing facility on Kennedy Road was constructed in 1986.

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The company sells products in approximately 20 countries accounting for over 39 percent of their total sales.

I wonder if there are other NC furniture-makers exporting at this level?

[Eva]

I'd like to see some of their peices. These are department store brands, I wonder if catalogue sales have something to do with the twenty countries.

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Which are department store brands? Trinity manufactures executive furniture.

[Eva]

Stanley was always a brand that was carried in department stores. They made mostly wood pieces, I think and Hekman makes things like entertainment centers and armoirs, which would fit in with executive furniture.

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Micro NC Ping!