La-Z-Boy UK has acquired manufacturing capability in Europe with the purchase of Furnico Furniture.
Furnico has manufactured for the brand since it acquired the La-Z-Boy licence in 2008. Parent company La-Z-Boy re-acquired the licence in 2017. A significant amount of Furnico’s business was manufacture of La-Z-Boy product with the remainder being white labelled to retailers in the UK and Ireland. Unbranded manufacture will continue alongside La-Z-Boy branded product.
‘The entire team is delighted to welcome Furnico’s 285 employees to the La-Z-Boy family as we launch La-Z-Boy Manufacturing UK, our only plant presence within Europe. Given the unprecedented issues currently affecting global sea freight, the timing of this deal will reassure our customers of shorter lead times and a dependable supply network,’ says Keith Wilson, La-Z-Boy International president.
‘I’d like to personally thank everyone who has worked hard on the acquisition process, in particular outgoing Furnico directors David Winter and Paul Riding for their loyalty to our brand and work developing products during their time as licensees. We wish them a happy retirement.’
Furnico directors David Ellison, Stuart Shackleton and Nigel Ramsey will lead the new business.
The firm intends to continue production from its two factories in Lancashire, with plans for a product showroom being discussed for the larger facility. The offices of La-Z-Boy International and La-Z-Boy UK will remain in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Pictured L to R: Riding, Winter, Wilson, Darrell Edwards La-Z-Boy, senior vice president and coo and Bob Lucian La-Z-Boy senior vice president and cfo.