GR manufacturer increases workforce by 60 percent, more jobs on horizon

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Five years ago the Grand Rapids Chair Company operated with 50 employees. Now they’re up to 80 and plan to add another 15 within the next year. At a time when many furniture makers are climbing out of a recession, the company has logged sales increases of 30 percent for the last five years.

“When people think of furniture, they think of office and residential furniture,” said Tom Southwell, VP of sales and a partner in the business with David Miller.

“We’re servicing hotels, restaurants, healthcare, universities, the government, and senior care living,” Southwell added. “The market in hotels alone is growing explosively. As the population ages more people are going out to eat, so the restaurant furniture business is very strong; it’s about 35 percent of our business.”

Environmental sustainability is a primary focus.

“We live the code,” Southwell said. “We buy recycled steel, recycled plastics, recycled upholstery. We powder coat rather than liquid coat—there are zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the finish.”

The company operates in 130,000 square feet of leased space at 625 Chestnut SW. Their clients include McDonald’s, Burger King, Arby’s, Hardee’s, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, and Best Western. They distribute to South America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East.

Two new product lines will launch this year, requiring more skilled tradesmen and customer service and marketing personnel. Southwell says they don’t have any problem finding the workers they need because many of the employees are related to each other and they spread the word about employment to other family members.

“We say we need a new welder and they go to church on Sunday and the next week we have a welder,” Southwell said.

Source: Tom Southwell, Grand Rapids Chair Company

Deborah Johnson Wood is Development News Editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.