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Drexel Heritage Furnishings, Inc., based in Drexel,
North Carolina, ranks among the top furniture manufacturers
in the world in terms of size and volume. For almost
100 years, the Company has manufactured fine furniture
with a reputation for exceptional styling and quality
craftsmanship. Drexel Heritage employs approximately
1,600 persons in its 7 specialized manufacturing facilities,
all of which are based in North Carolina. In addition,
the Company outsources manufacturing expertise from around
the globe in order to provide unique designs and unsurpassed
value to its customers. Throughout the entire product
line, Drexel Heritage distinquishes itself by offering
furnishings that lead the industry in quality, fashion
and styling.
The history of the Company dates back to November 10,
1903, when five enterprising men from Morganton, North
Carolina started a small furniture factory. The settlement,
built on a tract of land where the wagon track crossed
the railroad, became known as Drexel. Located in the
foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area was
blessed with an abundant supply of virgin timber including
chestnut, oak, poplar, maple and walnut.
Within three years, the 26,600 square foot Drexel plant
had 30 employees, and average production was 50 pieces
of furniture per week. The product of their labor was
a solid oak, three-piece suite that included a bureau,
washstand, and bed and sold for $14.50 wholesale. Today,
the Company's combined manufacturing and distribution
facilities total 2.3 million square feet.
During the 1930's, as a result of the Depression, the
Company recognized the need to step away from commodity
furniture and "design" home furnishings that
would appeal to its customers. A thirteen man sales force
was established and the first furniture designers were
brought on board. In 1937, Drexel became the first furniture
manufacturer to advertise in national magazines.
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