Jeff Linville
Tennessee factory will become warehouse, service center

HIGH POINT — Case goods company Cresent Fine Furniture plans to cease domestic production this spring and move to a fully sourced line.

The plant in Gallatin, Tenn., will transition into a warehouse, logistics and customer service center, a company executive said during premarket here.

“The dynamics of the furniture industry today dictate an increasing reliance on offshore manufacturing in order to meet customer expectations and deliver the greatest possible value to consumers and retailers,” said President Tommy Tomkins.

Cresent is a third-generation, family-owned provider of solid-wood furniture, traditionally known for its U.S.-made case goods.

In the past five years, however, the company has added imports from China, Indonesia and Vietnam, which have grown to represent half the annual sales.

Of three domestic groups in the Cresent line last year, Murray Hill accounted for about 80% of sales, said co-owner Jody Condra. He said this collection now will be made to Vietnam, while the other two U.S.-made groups will be phased out.

“Given the erosion in demand for most of our domestic product, we really have no choice but to embrace the new reality of the furniture business and keep our attention focused on keeping great product at a great price in stock at our warehouses in Tennessee, California and China,” said Richard Tomkins, director of sales and marketing.

One of the seven imported groups, Moderne, won a 2004 Pinnacle design award, he said. A new import line called Crossings will be available in May, he added.

To be introduced this spring is Artisan, a 30-piece transitional group inspired by Arts & Crafts and Japanese designs. The furniture features cathedral and quarter-sawn walnut veneers with an aged Caramel finish. With Artisan, Cresent is collaborating with designer Fred Spector, who has developed goods for retailers Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

To ensure quality and product development, Condra is relocating to Asia to supervise manufacturing with all of Cresent’s Asian sources.

“One of the keys to Cresent’s success over the last 60 years has been our commitment to hands-on involvement,” said Condra. “We see no reason why that should be any different now. We are not satisfied relying on third parties to oversee our development and production. … We believe that this kind of commitment is reassuring to our customers in this uncertain environment.”

In High Point, Cresent shows in Hamilton Square #204.