Hitchcock Upgrades Operations

Furniture World Magazine

Hitchcock Chair Company, a leading manufacturer of distinctive handcrafted furniture collections, has just completed an expansion program to consolidate and streamline its manufacturing and finishing operations into one efficient Connecticut location. Through extensive restructuring, design upgrades, reorganized work cells and employee training, the 110,000 square-foot factory in New Hartford, CT has been totally transformed to accommodate manufacturing, assembly and all finishing processes which were previously performed in the Riverton, CT plant. Hitchcock’s flagship retail store, warehouse and showroom remain in place as a shopping destination and tourist attraction in the historic town of Riverton. The company also oversees four retail locations in the state specializing in complete home planning and design services. In addition to the classic Hitchcock hardwood collections and new European and Country style furnishings, there is a wide selection of upholstery, leather, draperies and accessories. Connstep Inc., a Connecticut Manufacturing Engineering Partnership, consulted with Hitchcock on this two year transition towards inventory reduction and production based on customer demand. Yankee legend Lambert Hitchcock, who founded the company in 1825, would be amazed to see his assembly line comprised of wooden slat conveyers and specialized workers give way to the benefits of ‘Lean Manufacturing’ and cross-functional tasking. Hitchcock has already invested in a state-of-the-art floor towline conveyer, new drying ovens and flash tunnels for the new facility. Finishing processes moved from Riverton include sanding, staining, stenciling, glazing, distressing, antiquing, spray operations, trimming and packing. The re-organization eliminates the need for transferring furniture back and forth between two locations. According to Ron Coleman, president and CEO of Hitchcock Chair Company. “Our operations objective is to enhance production significantly, reduce energy costs, and improve industrial health and safety. Additionally, these enhancements in manufacturing operations will help us support new product development and retain our quality standards to meet the needs of a growing customer base.” That customer base includes retailers and designers who recently welcomed Hitchcock back to Highpoint in 2003 when the venerable brand reinvented itself with new furniture collections such as Lakeside Cottage, Maison Rustique, and Country Heritage. The showroom is located at 330 North Hamilton, Suite 302. The new lines are an exciting departure for Hitchcock in that they offer many new designs and styles for the dining room, bedroom, living room or foyer. Innovative finishing techniques have also been perfected in glazing, crackling, distressing and coloration. The new Lakeside Cottage collection captures the seaside spirit of summer in a transitional bedroom grouping. Beadboard detailing and spool-style turned feet give the line a pure, crisp, fresh look. From lattice white to sugar plum blue, Lakeside is available in five light and airy finishes. Country Heritage is reminiscent of century-old heirlooms and features distinctive colors such as Stagecoach Red, Newbury Moss, Farmhouse Ochre and Tavern Crème. Exclusive wood-finishing techniques of dry brushing, cow-tailing, spattering and glazing are employed to create lustrous, worn patinas. The Maison Rustique collection combines the design elements of French Provencal and English Country design of the late 19th and early 20th century. Handcrafted from subtly aged select maple, the line offers a Honey Wax finish which retains the tones of natural wood, and an Aged Patina russet finish, compatible with heirlooms and antiques. Chic finishing shades of red, verdigris green, light speckled bisque and deep peacock blue/teal, complete the color palette. The need for Hitchcock to expand in the USA is definitely welcomed news given the economic challenges experienced by many furniture manufacturing and retail businesses over the last few years. “Unlike other manufacturers who have moved production overseas, we intend to remain in Connecticut” Coleman adds. “Without cutting corners in the manufacturing process or sacrificing quality, Hitchcock will continue to extend the brand with new finishing techniques to meet trends in the marketplace for fine American-made furnishings.” 180 years later, Hitchcock is still honoring Lambert Hitchcock’s legacy and tradition for exceptionally crafted solid wood pieces that last for generations to come. Coleman attributes the company’s success to providing consumers with high quality furniture and accessories at a reasonable price. Crafted from the finest Northeast solid hardwoods, Hitchcock incorporates wrought iron, glass, hand-woven rush seats and fine upholstery fabrics into the collections it manufactures in the new facility. Today the company moves forward with an enhanced factory and fashion-forward collections while retaining the strong foundation of meticulous craftsmanship and quality. To find out more about Hitchcock Furniture and their product lines, please visit www.hitchcockchair.com or call 1.860.738-0141