Jeff Cook
Markor International Furniture Co. Ltd. announced that it has acquired A.R.T. Furniture Inc. in a recently completed transaction.
“This furthers what has been an exclusive supply distribution agreement between the two companies to the next level,” says Edward Grund, A.R.T.’s C.E.O. A.R.T. now joins Schnadig International Corporation as a part of Markor’s International Business Division, headed by Howard Pan, previously president of Schnadig.
The company also has announced that effective April 2, Grund will assume the role of chairman emeritus and Jeffrey L. Cook will be promoted to C.E.O.
Cook, who joined A.R.T. as president in January, previously served as president of Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc. His past experience also includes serving as president and chief executive officer of Magnussen Home Furnishings, Inc.; vice president of sales and marketing of Sumter Cabinet Company; executive vice president of sales and marketing of Lea Industries; and senior vice president of sales and marketing of Design Horizons.
“From Jeff’s broad range of experience with privately and publicly owned companies, he brings a deep understanding of the stages required to manage sustained double-digit growth,” Grund says. “He has worked in the implementation of a wide variety of business processes, systems and models, which will be invaluable as he takes A.R.T. to the next level.”
“Despite the economy, A.R.T. is in an enviable position of growth while being backed by the financial strength, manufacturing capabilities and logistics infrastructure of Markor. The brand has a solid reputation for great product offering superior value, consistent quality and flexible delivery options,” Cook says. “We’re also blessed with a business model and parent company that can provide us the support, resources and capabilities to maintain an unrelenting focus on meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our dealers.
“My focus will be on broadening our style and price points and managing growth so that we remain nimble in identifying and addressing opportunities in the marketplace while keeping the backend of our business in alignment. If we do this, we will be an even more successful company,” he says.
Grund will continue to work with Markor International Furniture, the parent company, to play a significant role in the supply chain relationship management.
“Ed’s contributions have been instrumental and in many ways decisive in creating the company and managing its consistent growth, including a double-digit sales increase in 2010,” Pan says. “As a result of his leadership, we are poised for growth in a highly competitive marketplace. Not only is A.R.T. considered a cornerstone vendor for Top 100 U.S. retailers, the company is noted for its tailored designs, exceptional finishes and consistent quality. He has and will continue to be an important member of the Markor team.”
With a focus on tailored designs and high quality standards, A.R.T. Furniture Inc. offers coordinated whole home collections for the bedroom, dining room, occasional and entertainment categories at the medium to upper medium price points. The wooden case goods brand serves retail stores across the United States.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Markor International Furniture Co., Ltd., a world class furniture manufacturing operation based in China, the company is a vertically integrated resource with 10 modern manufacturing plants and state-of-the-art distribution centers in Tianjin, China; Ontario, Calif. and Clairmont, N.C. A.R.T. Furniture delivers a simple sourcing solution: flexible mixed container programs, delivered on time at competitive shipping rates.
Other Markor divisions include the case goods and upholstery producer, Schnadig International Corp., and Markor Home Furnishings, a retail chain in China. Founded in 2003, A.R.T. Furniture is headquartered in Ontario, Calif. with showrooms at the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. and the World Market Center in Las Vegas.