INDUSTRY UPDATES

Buffalo, NY — Otis Bed Manufacturing, established in Buffalo since 1882, proudly announced the move to their new facility at 80 James E. Casey Drive located in the New Buffalo Industrial Park. According to Company President Jack T. Roma the opening of the new facility took place on November 6,1998. The new facility is a single story design in a 20,000 square foot structure that will accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, offices and a product showroom to better serve the needs of the company’s growing retailer base.

Otis Bed is well known for its innovative creations within the bedding industry. Executive VP John K. Roma is credited with setting high quality futon cushion standards, and holds a patent for the world’s first automatic operating futon frame. Otis Bed has also developed a new mattress design utilizing Dupont Dacron® 3D molded cluster fiber technology to form a unique mattress system. Their Allerest Mattress, made from all natural, organic materials, was designed for the allergy sensitive population.

A grand opening celebration for the new location will be announced at a later date.

For more information contact Otis Bed Manufacturing at: (716) 825-2599.

The Jiffy Tuft takes the place of hand tufting with twine, and lace tufting with expensive machinery, and is available in all popular sizes. It is applied with a special ejector needle, allowing just one person to do the tufting, and is manufactured under the ISO9002 standard. Jiffy Tuft makes a nice dimple in the futon and secures the covers and filling from movement. Investment is minimal, the ejector needle is sturdy and with proper use would last years.

“These tufts replace twine and button tufting, and are extremely easy to apply. No previous experience is necessary,” said company representative Roy Archambault. “Futons are fully tufted in a few moments, saving much time. When tufted, the futon mattress looks neat and secure,” he said.

Jiffy Tufts come in many sizes (from three inches to ten inches), with a minimum order of one thousand for any one size.

“Typically an eight inch futon will require a six inch Jiffy and a six inch futon a four inch Jiffy,” Archambault said.

The Jiffy Tuft is inserted by a special ejector needle. The needle is equipped with a spring, permitting the Jiffy’s automatic release after it is inserted into the futon.

“We can also supply felt washers which are placed between the Jiffy Tuft’s head and the futon for neatness and comfort,” he said.

The company also offers a quick and easy way to tuft your mattresses and pads, with their Jiffy Popins.

“By using our Jiffy Popins together with our automatic release tufting needle, the job is over in a ‘jiffy’, neatly and efficiently,” Archambault said.

For more information contact Edward Textiles Inc. at: 1-514-273-4441.

White Plains (N.Y.) — The U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks has awarded Island Futon Company a 20 year patent for its unique slot and post operating futon design that enables users to easily convert an Island Futon from sofa to bed from the front.

Island Futon is a leading importer of hardwood futons, tables, chairs, and ottomans made from a teakwood-like wood called Nyatoh as well as oak and other hardwoods.

Island Futon is an affiliate of Cross Island Trading Co., one of the largest KD furniture factories in the world, exporting finished furniture for over 25 years to North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand.

To be Defended ‘Vigorously’

Island Futon’s Michael O’Neil said, “Our retailers sell our products secure in the knowledge that Island’s invention is protected under Patent Number 5,815,858 and that this will be defended vigorously by our company.”

The futon frame includes a back deck guided for movement by rollers guided to slots in the frame. The seat is secured by inter-engaging pins and slots to convert from bed to sitting position, the deck is pulled forward which places its rollers into guide slots. This patented front operating mechanism is unique and offers consumers a feature and benefit not typically available in imported hardwood frames.

In the sitting position, the seat deck rests on a cross piece and is supported along its rear edge by the slot and pin connecting the back deck assembly.

The invention went into production in 1996 and Island Futon has since grown into a leading supplier of imported futon furniture products domestically and internationally.

Manufacturing is completed at the company’s modern “state-of-the-art” factory in Indonesia which employs about 1,500 people. Island has a resident American quality-control staff on site at the factory to monitor production and to assure quality. The line is warehoused in Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, and Hartford.

The company builds over a dozen high-volume models. Retailers are provided extensive in-store signage and support materials, as well as a nine-page in-depth Sales Education Manual.

Visit Island Futon’s website at www.islandfuton.com. Island Futon products are on permanent display at the High Point furniture market and the company will exhibit this March in Las Vegas at the Futon Association’s annual trade show.

Island Futon is represented by The Glasser Group of Tampa. Please call 800-466-9099 for additional information.

Purchasing a good futon mattress is an investment in quality and product functionality. Now there is a way to prolong that investment by protecting the mattress from moisture and spills with VersaQuilt.

VersaQuilt is a new futon cover developed by Malden Products that has a moisture barrier built right in. The patented quilting process creates a three-layer seal that not only protects the mattress from wetness, it adds plushness to the mattress and beauty to the room.

For more information on VersaQuilt, call 413-552-3829.

Hartford, CT — Gold Bond anticipates another record year in 1999 following an immensely successful ‘98, Robert J. Naboicheck, Gold Bond President said, adding, “Gold Bond is successful because we provide leading retailers with the highest quality products that enable them to sell at higher margins.”

Mr. Naboicheck emphasizes that “the futons’ ongoing success in the home furnishings industry continues to rely upon products that go into American’s living rooms and perform beyond expectations and not break down.”

While pledging Gold Bond’s steadfast commitment to using only the very best raw materials, and by employing quality-conscious labor, as well as providing extensive sales and promotional support, he exhorted the industry to do the same.

‘Remain Committed to...the finest’

“Our retailers expect the New Year to bring us all continued growth. We all will enjoy that provided that we all remain committed to producing the finest futon sofa-sleepers at affordable prices. Futons have the design, and our industry has the distribution system, we have the products, the right ‘feel’ and the ability to meet demand,” he said. “Everything is in place for a tremendous 1999.”

“Let’s not waiver from our years of ongoing commitment to maintaining only the highest quality standards. As long as consumers bring home durable, comfortable and affordable futon products, we know that it will be a banner year for the entire futon business.”

Gold Bond, America’s largest futon mattress producer, is known as an innovator that relies upon exhaustive research and development before the company will introduce new products since its inception in late 1800’s. Gold Bond uses the finest raw materials available in the futon and bedding industries. The company pays a premium to use 100% pure Joy® cotton batting, the highest quality cotton twill fabric, innerspring units, and industry-leading 1.8 density FR foam.

Pride in Gold Bond Quality

“The same quality materials — heavy twill fabric and quality Joy® cotton batting — used in our most expensive mattresses are also used in each of our promotional 4" futon mattresses. We are very proud of that fact,” Mr. Naboicheck notes.

Gold Bond manufactures the WoolWrap, which features two layers of two inch thick 1.8 density FR foam and Joy® cotton batting wrapped in a thick layer of 100% virgin New Zealand wool; the SofTouch features 100% densified polyester batt — up to 40 pounds in each mattress — to provide a supple support that cushions the body; and Gold Bond manufactures the Cotton Coil, featuring the finest and only fully flexible Holland Maid™ innerspring unit, surrounded by 1.8 density FR foam and fifty-five pounds of pure Joy® cotton.

Gold Bond products are sold in more of the top fifty retail stores than by the number two, three and four futon mattress manufacturers combined. Gold Bond is sold through quality futon, bedding, furniture and department stores in all fifty states, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

For additional information, please call Robert Naboicheck, at 1-800-466-9099.

Boyd, WI — As the 1999 Futon Expo in Las Vegas approaches, premier futon and furniture manufacturer August Lotz is moving its Research & Development department into high gear. Final touches on the new products should be complete by the end of January, just in time to get them onto the production line and ready to ship by Expo time in March.

August Lotz frequently receives and analyizes information from customers. Recently it seems that many people out in the field have been requesting the addition of a cherry finish to the line. After extensive research and deliberation, August Lotz feels they have achieved just the right cherry tone to enhance the natural attributes of their frames. A total of three Northern White Ash (7700 Series) arm styles in five different sizes will be stocked in the cherry finish. All other arms in the 7700 Series will be able to be custom ordered in cherry with an eight to twelve week lead time.

A brand new size futon frame will also be among the August Lotz introductions in Las Vegas. The “Collosa-chair” is the width of a twin size bed and will be offered with an optional extender designed to give the consumer an unlimited amount of lounging positions and a twin sleeping surface. The “Collosa-chair” will be available in Maple (6600 Series), Ash (7700 Series), and as a Convertible Sofa Sleeper.

“The August Lotz Bedroom Collection is fit for a king”. This statement is now both figurative and quite literal with the addition of a king size bed to the collection. Now available in both King and Queen sizes, The “New Mission” bed will broaden customer appeal.

New innovations in the August Lotz futon mattress line will be unveiled this March in booth #316 at the Cashman Field Center in Las Vegas, NV. By utilizing the latest in foam and fiber technologies and a new stuffing machine, the company can now expand the line to include an array of revolutionary sleep systems! This is truly comfort taken to the next level!

For more information contact August Lotz Co., Inc. at: 1-715-667-5121.

Collegiate Furnishings Inc. is proud to announce the expansion of their State College, PA facility to 20,000 square feet.

President Tom Meade says, “With the addition of our Mountain Series bi-fold frames in 1997, followed by this years introduction of matching Ozark tables, knockdown bookshelves, and wall units, we can now offer complete vignettes. These new additions have made it necessary to add more machinery and expand our space. All of which will expand our ability to serve our customers.”

The new high production facility should be fully operational by April 1st, just in time for the busy season. The company is also proud to announce thier new Customer Service Manager, Jamie Salvanish, who recently returned to her native Pennsylvania after working in California for seven years. Jamie will be handling all orders and inquiries, and has a proven track record for success. Improvements have been made in many other areas as well with one common thread — to continually improve customer service. “Our number one focus is to service our customers and we are committed to investing in them.” said Meade.

Collegiate Furnishings specializes in knockdown, southern yellow pine furniture. For more information please contact Jamie at 800-755-8660 or by fax at 814-234-8654.

Zad Designs has added an oak collection to its existing line of pine and alder futon furniture. “Our new oak frames come in bi-fold and tri-fold styles with five different arm designs, and they also feature two standard stains; natural and light walnut,” said Akim Azad, company president. The two new lines of frames will be shown at the Winter San Francisco Design and Furnishing Show as well as Futon Expo ’99 in Las Vegas this coming March.

Zad Design & Mfg. will also feature its custom order softgood swatch program at the winter market as well. “The fabrics we have chosen emphasize a soft, rich texture which complements our wooden furniture,” said Azad. The softgoods can be ordered for futon furniture as well as bedding and ready made curtain panels.

“Zad Design & Mfg. has recognized the importance of well-made products for the futon industry, and has been working to one, produce well-made products with better raw materials and superior mechanisms; and two, to control the consistency of quality by producing everything at one site in Oxnard, California,” he said. By doing so, the company’s dealers can gain the support and benefits of on-time delivery, and consistency of product quality.

Also, Zad Design offers POP material to its dealers, emphasizing the real value of futon furniture, and offers effective sales training for sales associates. The training includes sections on: how to sell futon furniture as a fine piece of furniture instead of a promotional piece; and how to communicate with the customer about the real value of futon furniture. For more information call Zad Designs at (805) 486-8393 or stop by at booth #172 at the Winter San Francisco Design & Furnishing show.

Boyd, Wisconsin — The August Lotz Company, manufacturer of solid wood futon frames, futon mattresses, and solid wood bedroom furniture has appointed representatives for three key territories.

Representing Lotz in the states of CO, UT, WY, MT is Roy Irwin. Bill Robertson will represent the company in FL (except the panhandle) and Teresa Whatley will represent the company in WA, OR, CA, ID, NV.

“All three have very good reputations for service. We are glad to have them on board. They are a great addition to our sales team,” said Chris Kulwicki, National Sales Manager.

For more information contact August Lotz Co., Inc. at: 1-715-667-5121.

Omni Softwoods has expanded its line of custom chair and rocker cushions to accommodate the growing market for comfortable, upscale log furniture.

Omni, working in tandem with Mountain Timber Decor and Mountain Woods Furniture, now provide several nationally known outdoor specialty companies with merchandise for their catalogs and retail stores.

Product lines have grown to include custom chair and rocker cushions, matching futon covers, pillows, accessories, and window treatments.

Omni’s reputation for quality custom work at competitive prices has assured the company continued growth in this area.

For further information contact Omni Softgoods at 1-800-283-8037.

SIS Covers is introducing a new line of seven magnificent cotton velvets. Each features a different cut pattern to add exceptional dimension and an ultra-luxurious feel. These new velvets may be ordered in any SIS product to create the most sumptuous futon covers, pillows, duvet covers and window treatments imaginable. For a designer look, mix any velvet with its corresponding Eclectic Pillow collection. SIS Covers’ current Futon Life ad features Mango Tango velvet with the Havana Eclectic pillow collection.

Also announced, effective for January 1999, SIS Covers will no longer be maintaining a showroom at the San Francisco Market. According to SIS Covers President Shari Hammer — “It was a difficult decision because we really enjoy traveling to San Francisco — especially in January. But to protect our current West Coast customers, we are no longer seeking new accounts in California and Oregon and opted to close the showroom.”

For more information contact SIS Covers for futons and pillows at: (612) 789-0956.

Comfort Research has recently introduced a breakthrough product called the Polymorphic Poof Chair. The chair is similar to a beanbag, however it is filled with shredded urethane foam, rather than polystyrene like the old beanbags. This new product comes in a rainbow of colors, and is covered in heavy poly-cotton twill, which, along with the seams being double stitched, will allow for years of enjoyment and comfort.

The creators of this chair had owned beanbags, but were tired of the chairs going flat after a short period of time and even having them sometimes blow out at the seams. That’s when they decided a high quality cloth beanbag makes so much sense. Now they needed to combat the problem of them going flat. The urethane foam filling was the answer. The urethane foam also made the chair much more comfortable.

The Polymorphic Poof Chair has already been touted “The most comfortable chair on earth, maybe even the universe.” This new revolution in comfort designed furnishings is selling very well in futon and specialty shops nationwide. It is a great accessory item for any futon shop.

For more information contact Comfort Research at: (877) 226-2926.

Federal Foam Technologies, Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, announces development of a futon that will deliver an unprecedented combination of plushness, superior cradling, improved pressure distribution, exceptional durability and outstanding resilience.

This exciting new futon is constructed exclusively with “Reflex™ Polymer Cushioning”, a product superior to traditional foam.

Reflex™ Polymer Cushioning’s breakthrough technology offers the highest quality cushioning for upholstered furniture, featuring superior surface appeal, extended retention of height and shape and resistance to uneven wear. Federal Foam Technologies will guarantee the performance of Reflex™ Polymer Cushioning 100% in residential furniture seat and back cushioning. All Reflex™ Polymer Cushioning meets CA 117, UFAC and AFMA standards.

The combination of Reflex™ Polymer Cushioning and its highly engineered design creates a comfortable transition of an outer layer of softness to an inner layer of support.

The Reflex™ futon is now available from Federal Foam Technologies to interested distributors. For more information call Kelly Kidder at 800-433-3558.

MEMPHIS, TN — Members of the National Cotton Batting Institute (NCBI) will soon be certified as producers of the safest cotton-based batting on the market. NCBI has reached an agreement with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Northbrook, Ill., to begin random testing and inspection of each member’s cotton batting in early 1999. Compliance with UL’s certification process is mandatory for membership in NCBI.

This program will allow the customer and the marketplace to be able to clearly differentiate between certified Flame Retardant (FR) cotton batting and the untreated materials available in some areas. FR-treated cotton batting has helped cut home fire deaths by 54%.

UL, the largest safety testing and conformity assessment organization in North America, is developing the certification program for cotton batting, the filling material used in mattresses, futons and furniture. With development of the new program, UL becomes the first third-party certifier of cotton batting in the country to apply Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC) and California Technical Bulletin 117 standards to the natural fiber product.

According to Randy Laymon, engineering group leader at UL, “the third party certification offered by UL should fulfill a basic need of the mattress and cotton batting industries. The fire retardancy issue is a growing concern of the American consumer. Through the support documentation related to UL certification, mattress manufacturers will now have the option to market their use of FR cotton batting.”

With 104 years of fire safety experience, UL has some of the most comprehensive fire protection testing capabilities in North America. UL’s fire safety experts use specialized test equipment and test methods to help manufacturers develop materials, products and systems that help reduce fire risks to life and property.

NCBI worked with UFAC in the early 1990s in developing a Quality Assurance Program for the cotton batting industry. This voluntary program is an effort to promote proper methods of applying naturally-found boric acid to smolder-resistant and fire-retardant cotton batting in the manufacturing process. NCBI also is working with various federal regulatory agencies such as the CPSC, Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“One of our primary objectives,” explained Kenny Oliver, president of Jones Fiber Products Inc., and chairman of the NCBI Quality Assurance Task Force, “is to prove that the most comfortable filling material available is also the safest. By passing UL’s extraordinarily high certification standards, there will be no question that cotton batting should be the preferred mattress filler. It’s natural, it’s beautiful and now it will be UL-certified.”

Cotton batting is the all-natural choice in home furnishings and many other industrial applications important to today’s lifestyles. After the longest fibers of the cotton plant have been made into apparel and home furnishings fabric, textile mill by-products and cotton linters (fibers removed from the cottonseed) are processed into cotton batting. End-product manufacturers such as furniture makers use cotton batting to provide safe, predictable body to high-quality home furnishings.

Organized in 1954, the National Cotton Batting Institute is the sole representative for the fiber batting industry and is dedicated to solving its problems and promoting its products. NCBI membership is comprised of manufacturers, dealers in linters and textile by-products and associated firms having a vested interest in the economic well being of the batting industry.

To provide more information on its new certification program, NCBI has developed a Quality Assurance Program section on its web site at www.natbat.com.

For more information contact Tommy Horton at the National Cotton Batting Institute at 901-274-9030 or via e-mail at thorton@natbat.com.

The plan was put into motion four years ago and today consumers have a much better handle on just what futon furniture is. “Each month we are seeing our hit count go up another million, and the future holds even more promise,” said Joe Tatulli, the Chairman of the Futon Marketing Council, the marketing arm of the Futon Association.

“Each year’s program includes several phases that focus on presenting consumer media editors with a focused and well planned collection of news, information, photography, and mat articles that help them intelligently cover futon furniture for the home,” Tatulli said.

“This past year, among other things, we developed two consumer brochures that were used as news hooks, and were also made available to Association retail members to use in their stores. Our Home is What You Make It and Be My Guest consumer brochures demonstrated the versatility of futon furniture when you are outfitting a new home, and when you are expecting house guests,” he said.

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