by Company will use money toward $952K in plant improvements that continue to elevate the work environment for its employees
MORGANTON, N.C. — Luxury furniture manufacturer Chaddock Furniture is investing $952,000 in a renovation of an existing plant here that is expected to help support the creation of 25 jobs.
The project is being supported by a $200,000 grant provided by the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. It was one of 10 grants announced earlier this month totaling nearly $2.1 million. They are supporting projects that are creating 316 jobs as well as a private investments of more than $40 million.
According to company CEO Andrew Crone, the 25 new jobs are in addition to the 10% increase in jobs the company has seen over the past year and a half that has brought total employment to around 200. The new positions are across the board in areas from machining to upholstering, and the investment is part of an effort to make the company a more desirable place to work.
The $952,000 renovation will include the second half of a roof installation on its nearly 300,000-square-foot plant, as well as other plant improvements and investments in worker training.
He said the upcoming renovation follows one of the best years in the company’s 65-year history.
“We shipped more product than we ever have at Chaddock this year,” he told Home News Now of the demand for its domestically made line. He noted that in addition to new accounts, the company’s success has been bolstered by increases in efficiency that have helped lower backlogs and lead times. “We are really proud of the team here.”
Earlier this year, for example, lead times were more than 20 weeks. Today, lead times for case goods are 10-12 weeks and eight weeks for exposed wood upholstery. A quick-ship program that represents roughly half of upholstery sales was upwards of 18 weeks at the start of the year and is now down to three to four weeks.
In operation since 1958, Chaddock produces custom upholstery, cabinets and tables. Since its inception, it has been known for its custom finishing capabilities, which are recognized industrywide for their level of depth and clarity through an 18- to 22-step process that includes distressing.
In addition to its custom finishing capabilities, the company offers custom sizes in both case goods and upholstery as well as custom hardware, fabrics, nailhead trim and various configurations of seat cushioning and cabinet shelving.
Some 90% of its goods are produced domestically and 100% of its mix is finished domestically, the company noted.
The improvements being made starting next year are in addition to even higher levels of investment the company has made over the past two years, Crone said.
In addition to the first phase of the roof replacement, it has updated its workroom where workers produce upholstery and wood furniture. For example, to brighten up the workspace, the company repainted the interior and exterior of the facility and also created new break areas, including a gourmet market where employees can relax and get specialty food and drinks. It also has updated its entrance and created an improved outdoor space where employees can spend time on their breaks.
The company also recently created a 4,000-square-foot showroom called Chaddock Loft with a meeting space featuring a conference table and a digital Smartboard where employees can meet and discuss projects. The area also has space for new products to show retailers visiting the facility.
“It was a neat renovated space that we weren’t using,” Crone said. “It’s dual purpose — it is an extension of our showroom in High Point with beautiful rugs, accessories and our furniture in a beautiful setting — and a space where customers can see the product without going to High Point.”
But the improvements are also aimed at creating an environment where people enjoy coming to work.
“We want Chaddock to be a fun place to work,” Crone said. “We have tried to elevate the space to make it better for our employees and be in line with our culture.”
The Continues improvements by the Chaddock Team have been exciting to witness. The Leadership, complemented by an Exceptional team of Artisans AND Makers that Designers and Retailers appreciate result in Continued Growth and innovation. Continuing to invest in Employees and the Facility are testimonies to the commitment the company has to such a wonderful community of clients, artisans, families, and the communities served. Family owned and Employee Empowered are an important part of the “Formula”.