INDUSTRY UPDATES

KD Frames Boosts Production Capabilities

KD Frames has added the new Accu-Systems HVPP computer controlled boring and doweling machine. “We are now in full production with this new unit,” said Alan Bowden, company President. The HVPP replace twelve manual boring machines and two drill presses. “We can now do more and do it even more accurately adding even more value to our line,” Bowden said.

The new combo frame at $39.00 full and $29.00 twin is ready to ship. “Our customers can expect more new designs in the near future with the unlimited capabilities of the HVPP,” he said.

For more information contact KD Frames at (706) 543-9397.

Back To Top

Wolf Corporation’s Tony Wolf Elected President of NCBI

Memphis, TN — Tony Wolf, president of Wolf Corporation, a Fort Wayne, IN., bedding and upholstery manufacturer with a 130-year history of cotton use, was elected president of the National Cotton Batting Institute (NCBI) at the organization’s annual membership meeting in Las Vegas.

Wolf joined Wolf Corporation as a sales associate in 1976 and worked through all phases of sales before becoming vice president of sales in 1982. He was named president of Wolf Corporation in 1994.

He served as board chairman of the International Sleep Products Association in 1998, representing more than 500 manufacturers nationwide.

Two other NCBI officers elected for 2003-04 were Alan Posner of Jones Fiber Products, Inc., Memphis, TN, vice president, and Jim Blasius of InCide Technologies, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, secretary-treasurer.

Serving as Board members are: Weston Arnall, Norman W. Paschall Co., Peachtree City, GA; Charles “Chuck” Bing of Syncot Fibers, Inc., Charlotte, NC; Lawrence Feinberg, Sherman-Feinberg Corp., Boston; Robert J. Naboicheck of Gold Bond Mattress Co., Hartford, CT; Alan N. Vincent, Vincent Manufacturing Co., Inc., Little Falls, NY; and Greg Windsperger of Airtex Industries, Inc., Cokato, MN.

The NCBI represents U.S. companies that manufacture and provide batting for use in mattresses, futons, and upholstered furniture. Membership includes manufacturers of cotton batting, suppliers of cotton linters and textile by-products and businesses allied with the batting industry.

For more information contact the National Cotton Batting Institute: 901-274-9030.

Back To Top

FAI Futon Marketing Committee Creates New Brochure

This recently formed committee, chaired by FAI Past President Chet Stoler, has created a new consumer brochure for the Association’s retail members. “This new brochure will incorporate some verbiage from the previous literature along with some new information reflecting today’s consumers wants and needs,” Stoler said. It was designed to print in four color on standard (8 1/2” x 11”) glossy stock. “This piece will be folded in half and will include information about all the products our members carry, and will include key words like: affordable, portable, convertible, and comfortable on the front and inside pages,” he said.

Designed and written by Russ Kramer, the new brochure utilizes the most colorful and appealing photography available. “We wanted to capitalize on this opportunity to continue to educate consumers about the stylish functionality of today’s futon sofa sleeper,” said Kramer. A simple order form on the back provides a space for notes on which convertible frame, futon mattress, futon covers, accessories and any other items the consumer may have selected. There is also a space for the salesperson’s name, the date, and the dealer’s name. “This brochure will be available on CD-ROM for FAI members to use if they want to do their own printing run,” Stoler said.

For more information on this new brochure and other FAI member benefits and events call FAI Headquarters at 1-800-327-3262.

Back To Top

Omni Softgoods Comes To “The Ressque”

Omni Softgoods is very excited to announce that they have come to “The Ressque”. Omni once again takes the initiative to listen to their customers by designing a great new wood deck cover that is custom made to fit any wood deck using the customer’s specifications. “The Ressque gives you the freedom to place your futon anywhere, even the middle of the room, without having the wood deck exposed. You can order it as a direct match for your cover or in a coordinating fabric for a custom design look to fit any décor,” said General Manager, Marcia Nachreiner. “The Ressque” covers are available in two styles, straight and tailored, and range in price from $27.00 to $76.00.

Omni Taking Customer Service To New Heights

Omni Softgoods has not lost its focus on providing the best service in the industry to their customers. Here is how it works: you ask and we listen. For the past year Omni has been asking for feedback and ideas to help their customers.“In June, Omni will be sending out its Summer 2003 updates. Included with the updates will be two fantastic new sales tools, The Omni Recipe Book and the Omni Sales Packet on CD,” Nachreiner said. The Omni Recipe Book includes photos of set ups created with all of the fabrics introduced since Spring of 2003 on a frame with alternate options to assist customers as well as consumers in choosing great new looks for their futon sleepers and beds. “The Omni Sales Packet on CD allows our customers to have this valuable information at their fingertips and also the versatility to print a hard copy of the sales packet with their particular information included,” she said. The CD includes the entire Omni line as well as photographs of products, current and new. “The Ressque,” an exciting new wood deck cover, is also featured on the CD. For more information call an Omni Sales Representative at 800-283-8037.

Back To Top

Night and Day Furniture Doubles Their Space in SF

Needing more space to show their growing range of products, Mike Gallawa will gladly tell you that he now has more than twice the floor space he had in his old showroom, at San Francisco’s Mart 2 (#701). “We have more products and more lines and I am proud of them all. I wanted to show them off right, so what could I do!”

Okay, show us what you’ve got.

“Well, first, every Standard Line wood futon frame we make now includes the Snapper™ (for snap-on assembly and front operating). That’s right, all of them, our entire standard line is snap-on and front operating.

“Of course our Premium Line wood futon frames include both the Snapper™ and the Sea Horse™ (for easy drop-in assembly). The Premium Line also puts forward fresh, inventive new arm designs, and features many special construction details that are unique to Night and Day Furniture. And, I want everyone to know that all the great new premium models, including Aurora, Night Fall and Dusk are in stock and ready to ship.” The Snapper™ and Sea Horse™ are components of the Shoe Fittings™ operating system. “Made of 100% natural rubber, it is by all accounts a remarkably trouble free and easy system,” Gallawa said.

“Then, let’s see, I have a new Chinese oak frame I call Autumn which debuts my Seasons Oak Line. It is a sweet little mission that is well crafted and is made of selected 100% solid oak. Definitely a must see”, says Gallawa. “And, there is the ever popular Floral Rattan with our now famous Rosebud and Magnolia.” He is also happy to tell you that he has a good steady supply of the Floral Rattan, and plenty of stock for this peak season.

“And, oh yes, bedroom!” Gallawa remembers. “Spices, beds and casegoods that include dressers, night stands and of course beds; the Saffron, Nutmeg, Thyme and The Basic. Terrific models, great value and, importantly all in stock.”

Okay, okay we got the idea. “...wait, there is one more...how about a really beautiful Futon-Bunk. It is a perfect kids room item. Our Shoe Fittings™ system operates the futon frame below. And please take note: our standard storage drawers can be used under the Futon-Bunk. It’s perfect. part of the Spices Line, I call it Cinnamon. It’s hot...well, it’s cool!,” Gallawa said.

Night and Day Furniture has moved to space 701 at the Mart 2, San Francisco. For more information contact Night & Day Furniture at 360-573-3309.

Back To Top

Gold Bond Names Three New Executives

HARTFORD (CT.)—Independent sleep product manufacturer Gold Bond added three business and bedding sales veterans to its management and sales teams effective immediately, Gold Bond President Robert J. Naboicheck announced. The three positions are expected to complement the company’s recent expansion and new product introductions.

Alan J. Cohen of Plainville (CT.) has been named Chief Financial Officer and Controller, responsible for all aspects of finance, accounting, human resources and management information systems. Mr. Cohen succeeds William Feldmann, who retired after over 40 years as the company’s controller. Mr. Cohen was previously C.F.O. of NAPCO Inc. of Plainville (CT.).

Jonathan Mink of Wayne (N.J.) and Robert Weinberg of Amherst (N.Y.) have been named regional sales representatives. Mr. Mink will represent Gold Bond in Metro New York and New Jersey. He was formerly with mattress makers Serta of New York and Classic Corporation of Maryland. Mr. Weinberg was formerly furniture manufacturer Lane Company sales representative and has owned and operated a retail furniture showroom in Buffalo (N.Y.).

Last year, the company added bedding veteran Andrew Freedman as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, a newly created position. Dennis Ferry was named Vice President of Manufacturing. The executives add extensive national mattress manufacturing and marketing experience as the company expands and introduces new products, Mr. Naboicheck said.
The company has always emphasized hand-made craftsmanship and utilizes the industry’s best foams, fibers, cotton, innersprings, boxsprings and its technicians custom-design its ticking covers. Mattresses are sold under its brand name “Gold Bond. The Greatest Name in Sleep. Since 1898”.

Gold Bond recently invested one million dollars in new state-of-the-art mattress production equipment following a move into new 115,000 square foot facilities.

Gold Bond also pioneered advances in the futon mattress industry and is now the world’s largest futon mattress manufacturer. Gold Bond gained industry leadership status when it introduced plush futon mattresses that fully emphasized comfort and durability, helping to fuel the national futon sofa-sleeper boom. Gold Bond is the futon industry’s first noncommercial cotton batting producer to receive the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Classification on its futon mattresses.

The company supplies department stores, furniture stores, bedding and specialty retailers, hotels and universities from its diverse product mix. Gold Bond dealers are provided with award-winning point of sale sales aids, dealer ad-maker materials, as well as banners, posters, cutaways, and brochures. For additional information, please call Bob Naboicheck or Andrew Freedman, at 800-873-8498.

Back To Top

King Koil Introduces “Turn-Free” Futon Mattress

King Koil Northeast’s new, award winning Comfort Plush Innerspring "Turn-Free" futon mattress has been off to a fast start since its introduction at the Las Vegas Futon Show in March, 2003. This innovative futon mattress features the latest in "Turn-Free" technology that is at the heart of King Koil’s conventional mattress line-up. It uses ultra plush, high density, anatomically zoned surface modified foam (SMT) sculptured in specialized patterns with different firmnesses corresponding to head, shoulder, lumbar, and hip areas. The Comfort Plush won the "Buttie Award" for the most comfortable futon mattress at the 2003 FAI Las Vegas Show.

The concept for the Comfort Plush was developed by Jose Medina, King Koil’s futon production manager, and Bob Coppola, King Koil’s salesman in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. New product development is often a company-wide team effort. Call 800-243-8834 to get the latest information about their seven new futon frames. Introduced in April 2003 these new designs compliment their existing line and bring their total line up to 20 frames. Solid hardwood, hardwood arms with metal decks, all metal frames, and a full line of futon covers—King Koil is your source for an entire futon sofa sleeper showroom.

Back To Top

Bourne’ Macintosh Group Hits Floors Running

Bourne’ International, President Chet Stoler commented that “the dealer acceptance of the recent introductions of the Macintosh futon sofa sleeper and bedroom groupings, far exceeded any new items that I have ever experienced in all my years in this business.” Stoler added that the sell through of this high quality solid teak furniture is fantastic. “The sell through is even better,” noted Stoler, as one dealer in San Francisco has sold multiple bedroom groupings. Please be sure to visit Bourne’ and see their new line at the San Francisco Show in July. Visit them at Mart 1 space #282.

For more information contact Bourne’ International at 1-360-816-1054.

Back To Top

Adonis Furniture Opens New Hartford CT Distribution Center

Oakland, CA—Adonis Furniture one of the futon industry’s’ leading manufacturers is proud to announce the opening of its new Hartford CT Distribution Center. “This new distribution center will be the third for Adonis which currently has facilities in Oakland CA and Tampa FL,” said company spokesperson Matt Sansoe.

The new facility is scheduled be up and fully operational by June 15th. The new facility will allow Adonis quicker shipment into the New England area and broaden its distribution significantly. Sansoe, Adonis’ GM, is very excited about the new opportunities this facility presents. “We now have overnight shipment into New York and New Jersey as well as a great ‘will call’ location in Hartford.” Additionally Adonis’ East Coast marketing arm The Glasser Group, Inc. has added a new sales rep for the region, Massachusetts native, Bill Hamelin. “Bill will facilitate sales for the New England and New York region,” Sansoe said.

For more information and the warehouse location please contact Adonis Furniture at 1-877-3 Adonis. To view the entire line of Adonis’ products visit their web page at www.adonisfurniture.com, call and request a catalog, or visit Adonis at their permanent San Francisco space at Mart 1 #737.

Back To Top

Lifestyle Solutions Launches New Website

Lifestyle Solutions of San Jose, CA — A major player in the emerging futon sofa industry is putting the final touches on their new website. New photos of products recently shot at their new Malaysian studio bring a new and refreshing energy to the industry.

“Most of our competitors don’t even have and seem not to wish to promote their products electronically through a website. We feel every time we get a chance to shed new light on the real possibilities of this category we’re going to do that,” said JC Gholston (National Sales Mgr). “What we’re doing is showing that the Sofa-Bed Convertibles of Lifestyle Solutions outperform traditional sofa beds on the key selling points of Comfort, Function, Flexibility, and Affordability.”

The site promotes all of the LS lines which include: Fashion Hardwoods, Hampton (American Oak/Ash) Collection, the European Collection and the Active Sleep line which includes Platform Beds and Case Goods.

Customers seeking service on an existing product can download instruction sheets, parts request forms, sales orders, or customer service forms. To view the new site visit www.lifestylesolutions.com or call our office at (408) 445-3700 for more details or to provide general comments on the site.

Back To Top

SIS Moves To New Digs

SIS Enterprises recently moved its offices, manufacturing, and warehousing to a new building in June. After 12 years in their current building, the time was right to purchase a permanent home for the firm. The new building is only five miles from the current location, and will provide a larger and more efficient space. SIS Covers’ orders will now be shipped with lightning-quick speed from 6707 Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The company phone numbers will remain the same.

Also, buyers at the 2003 Futon and Specialty Sleep Expo in Las Vegas previewed SIS Covers’ newest line of covers along with this Spring’s regular fabric updates. This year, the company’s Best-Visual-Display-winning booth featured futon sofa sleeper and bedroom vignettes in a row of diagonal, painted cubes flooded by white light shining up through a slatted floor.

The season’s fabric updates featured a broad range of styles having the common theme of warm/hot colors in everything from novelty themes and traditional floral tapestries to bold 1970’s-inspired prints and tropical patterns.

SIS Covers’ value line is also expanding and was on display at Expo. Dozens of new tapestry and upholstery-weight fabrics are being added to the popular Grade A fabrics, and a new price point, called “Grade U,” which are even less expensive, will also be available in mid June. The prices are comparable to factory select covers, but you can pick them yourselves from swatch images available on computer disk; and best of all, they can be ordered and re-ordered with matching pillows and/or bolsters in value packs.

Back To Top

Protect-A-Bed Offers Healthy Solutions

“This is such a great product with a wonderful sell through,” said Peter Gallivan, an East Coast sales rep for the Protect-A-Bed product. “And it actually works too,” he added.
Every night the human body sheds millions of skin cells and releases body moisture as well. These facts can lead to increased bacteria and dust mite populations, both leading causes of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.

“The Protect-A-Bed bedding protector for mattresses and pillows provides what we call a ‘healthy stain and allergy free sleep zone’ for families,” added Gallivan. The mattress and pillow protectors come in several sizes and provide breathable comfort in a stain proof, waterproof, and easy to fit “fitted” sheet style.

The Protect-A-Bed product is made from a waterproof yet breathable fabric that is super stretch for added comfort and easy fit, machine washable and dry-able at high temperatures, and is especially helpful in cases of incontinence. The Protect-A-Bed product is also guaranteed for five years against fabric and manufacturing defect only.

For more information contact Protect-A-Bed North America toll free at 1-866-886-2788, or Peter Gallivan at 1-413-478-6456.

Back To Top