news-record.com

The furniture industry in North Carolina is taking more hits. Furniture Brands International said Thursday it will lay off 1,400 workers at plants in North Carolina and Mississippi.

The St. Louis-based company owns many of North Carolina’s best-known names in furniture manufacturing, including Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, Broyhill and Henredon. But it has been closing factories and cutting thousands of jobs for years.

Despite crushing losses in manufacturing, however, furniture remains a viable industry with a bright future in North Carolina, and especially the Triad — with enough foresight and support. The challenge is to build that future on the remaining industry components that offer the greatest value.

That objective prompted a recently released report commissioned by the Piedmont Triad Partnership. It included observations of strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations that can form a guideline for industry development.

The most obvious strength is the biannual High Point furniture market. Although attendance fell in October because of the economic downturn and fuel prices that then were still very high, the week-long trade show drew about 75,000 participants from around the world. It was a huge, lucrative event attended by people who still think the industry has a viable future and want a hand in shaping it.

Market promoters have worked to expand the scope of the market to attract more accessories manufacturers, designers and other creative professionals. That meshes with the strategy of High Point business recruiters, who have pursued the goal of making High Point the industry’s intellectual  capital. Even companies that no longer make furniture locally can design and market furniture in High Point, and develop new business strategies there.

Not that manufacturing has disappeared. Some companies have found high-end niche categories where they can succeed with superior quality and craftsmanship. A new partnership between some of those companies and GTCC to train workers in fine furniture-making skills illustrates the point. There shouldn’t be any shortage of interested students.

The Piedmont Triad Partnership report emphasizes a regional approach to promoting the industry. While the N.C. Department of Commerce already supports the furniture market, a greater regional push can’t hurt. So far, High Point hasn’t had much luck in getting neighbors to help pay for market services, but greater awareness of the potential benefits should help.

News about job losses in furniture manufacturing should not discourage efforts to promote an old industry that still can find new life.