Thomasville facility will keep it all home

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/19/2003 12:00:00 AM

THOMASVILLE, GA —

Thomasville Home Furnishings this month will complete its second facility expansion in three years. The latest addition doubles the U.S. bedding, window and decorative pillow manufacturer's space, bringing it to more than 100,000 square feet.

Although Thomasville imports some greige goods and finished fabric, it is one of the few home textiles companies that continues to manufacture finished products entirely in the United States. Sales last year grew 23 percent and this year are tracking up 15 percent, said Milt Mitler, vp.

"We're still doing all our own manufacturing here, so we're not caught up in all these global issues that are currently on the table," he said.

The new facility expansion provides room from new automated cutting equipment that produces wide-width goods more efficiently, he said. Upgraded software systems keep track of inventory levels, assign cutting positions and track goods from order through shipment. The addition also includes new feed rails, comforter machinery and packaging equipment.

"We're trying to maintain a customized look," said Joyce Post, design director. "We don't subcontract anything. It's almost the antithesis of the direction of the market."

Thomasville undertook the expansion because it has been deepening its business with key accounts, although it has also added a few new accounts, Mitler said. In addition to specialty boxes, department stores and catalogers, Thomasville continues to service small accounts.

"There are still a fair amount of shops out there in New England and the Southeast," Mitler said.