It is not a Factory... it is a Workshop!

Every day we have the honor of making one of a kind requests come true at Hickory Chair. Our craftsmen and artists embrace these requests. They are happy to make pieces standard but they love the challenge of making custom pieces. They believe that a factory worker can make standard furniture but it takes a really talented cabinetmaker to make custom furniture. This is one of the reasons so many call Hickory Chair home and have forged careers that span twenty, thirty and even forty years!

A great example of this dedication and skill involved one of our occasional tables. The customer loved the form of the Milo Table (shown left). They were excited that they could pick the height and then we could make it the width and depth that was just right for their room. They chose the veneer species for the top and then the Sable finish. The only drawback was that they really wished the Milo Table was made with a drawer.

The designer knew that they could ask for a special construction and contacted their Customer Service Representative. Within 24 hours of requesting the special construction, we had an answer of yes and a price. The designer was thrilled because they were able to find a table that met the customer's needs without wasting time searching through catalogs or the web. The customer was thrilled because they not only got exactly what they wanted, but it is a one of a kind piece personalized and hand made especially for their home. The cabinetmakers were thrilled because they had the opportunity to please someone and hone new levels of skill.

So, my question is "Why settle for standard when you can have it made special for you?"

An American Manufacturing Company

As you read this we have a group 0f 30 designers, sales associates and a blogger on their way to attend HCC University! Our new friends are traveling from Utah, New York, Louisiana, South Dakota, Texas, Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri, Minnesota, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Arizona! We appreciate everyone leaving their families, clients and lives behind to come spend a couple days with us!

Yesterday a gentleman from Colorado called and asked for a factory tour. He had learned that Hickory Chair has a factory tour program and he called to see if he could bring his family by to see an AMERICAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY! Our insurance prevents individuals under 18 years old to enter the factory but I invited him to come see our showroom and meet our employees. He doubted it would work out since they would be coming through Hickory as they leave Asheville traveling toward Raleigh over the weekend. He mentioned that it was very important to him that he teach his children that the things they have were made by people. That the furniture in their home was made by hand.

I wish that I could have accomodated this family. It is just one family, but one family that would share our story with their friends and family. Maybe someday we will be able to open our 98 year old custom workshop to let everyone see how quality Hickory Chair furniture is made!