Online upholstery retailer Zofa is to bring manufacturing in-house after securing a deal for Vale Bridgecraft.
Zofa’s parent company Hampton Furniture Group has acquired a majority stake in the heritage sofa manufacturer. The company says this will allow it to brings Zofa production in-house, ‘vertically integrating its supply chain and laying the groundwork for future growth.’
The group plans to rejuvenate the Vale Bridgecraft brand while exploring white-label manufacturing opportunities for third-party retailers and designers. ‘Vale Bridgecraft stands for true British craftsmanship, and we’re proud to secure its future within our group,’ says John Hampton, HFG founder.
‘For our Vale customers, it’s about dependability and heritage. For Zofa, it’s about making beautifully made sofas simple, online and in-store. This move strengthens both sides of our business and sets us up for the next phase of growth.’
Vale Bridgecraft will continue to be led by Jonathan Robinson, a 40-year veteran of Vale Bridgecraft. ‘Robinson played a key role in steering the company through its 2022 restructure, when it was acquired by Maramar Holdings, an associated firm of the company’s landlord. This is a significant step forward for our group. It secures control over production, safeguards British manufacturing jobs, and positions us to scale both Zofa and Vale Bridgecraft with confidence.’
John Hampton (left) is pictured with his father Steve, HFG chairman and former Belfield Group ceo.
