HFI Expands Capacity

Pasadena, Calif. — Chinese dec pillow and bedding manufacturer Home Fashions International has hired 100 new sewing machine operators in China this month and will add 50 to 75 wide-width looms with multi-hook capacity to its Chinese facilities by the end of July.

The combined facilities for HFI and its fabric division, American Decorative Fabrics, have 1,200 looms, 250 of which are wide-width looms for bedding products.

HFI started out in decorative pillows and ventured into bedding at the request of one of its retail customers. HFI President Tom Healy joined the team in March 2003 and embarked on an expansion plan that moved the company from a 40,000-square-foot facility to a 265,000-square-foot facility in Gaffney, S.C.

Then HFI focused on expanding the products it offered and putting in computer systems (EDI and ASN capabilities) to better facilitate sales with major retail accounts by early 2004.

The Gaffney facility now houses customer service, information technology, inventory and some cut-and-sew of decorative pillows. All other products come in finished from China. Administration offices for both companies are located in Shanghai.

HFI can therefore offer four options: FOB Shanghai, FOB port-of-entry out of California or New York, or FOB distribution center in Gaffney.

“We have a totally vertical operation,” said Healy. “The company is a fabric company first, then a finished goods company. The most unique aspect of our company is the access to fabrics we get through American Decorative Fabrics.”

According to Healy, American Decorative Fabrics introduces about 3,000 skus of fabric a year.

“We don't have to source fabrics from another company or countries, and don't have to contract out for cut-and-sew, which are unique advantages we think,” said Healy.

He added, “We will be staying in the bedding, dec pillow and window categories for the time being. We are at least a few years away from entering any additional categories.”