Trade Wars Turn Attention to U.S. Production:  Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo

HICKORY, NC -- With the growing realization that the global tariff war, which has had a big impact on the furniture industry already, is far from over, U.S. companies are increasingly looking at alternative solutions to their production needs.

That puts the upcoming Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo, being held here in the heart of furniture country this summer, in a prime position to offer products, services and technologies for company’s rethinking their manufacturing strategy.

The Expo, being held July 17-18 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, will showcase the latest products, services, machinery and technologies for the home furnishings manufacturing industry, along with a two-day educational program developed by the top leaders in the industry discussing regulatory environmental policy, the latest innovations and more.

The list of exhibitors continues to grow as more companies sign on but already confirmed to show are such companies as Leggett & Platt, Lectra, Gemini CAD Systems, Crest Leather and GSG. Many will be debuting new equipment and technologies specifically designed for the furniture and home furnishings market.

As such there will be much on hand for companies faced with the tariff crisis and looking to build their domestic manufacturing capabilities.

“We think that there are many opportunities for our customers to grow in the U.S.,” said Paul Block, president of the Global Systems Group of Leggett & Platt.  “Certainly as labor continues to be difficult to find and train globally, the automation that we are able to offer our customers will help them succeed to grow in the U.S.”

“Furniture is continuing to grow but the U.S. companies that are winning are the companies that are adapting and changing,” said Heather Corrigan, North American furniture marketing manager for Lectra, another exhibitor.

“Those with the right product offering, capacity, delivery and service levels are gaining share. What matters is that many of the premises, practices and paths to the consumer that people have relied on for years are changing.”

“The ability of manufacturers to provide domestically made products is going to be a competitive advantage going forward”, said Mihai Mocanu, project manager of Thagora, the leather cutting technology developed and offered by Gemini CAD Systems, which is also exhibiting at the HFMSE.

“The American economy is doing better and better and there are many reasons for optimism. We believe that the American customers will buy more products Made in USA, which is the base of a healthy furniture industry.”

Returning HFMSE companies like Crest Leather believe the show is an excellent venue to meet with American customers and learn of their needs. “We attended last year and saw that our top customers were there looking for innovative products, machinery and other solutions to help them grow their businesses,” said Carla Bluitt, business development manager for the company. “We know that manufacturers are looking for suppliers that offer unmatched customer service, minimal lead times and high quality selection (so) we wanted to exhibit to let our customers know that we are their manufacturing partners ready, willing and able to support their efforts.”

As momentum continues to build for the EXPO, attendees can pre-register now with an early bird special that offers free admission to the show floor as well as all educational events. Just use the special code “WSA” at the website, http://www.hfmse.com.