The Economy

Hospitality Furniture Manufacturer to Open Facility in Virginia

Aug. 2, 2010

Facility will house production operations, administrative offices and a showroom.

Kimball Hospitality Inc., a Jasper, Ind.-based manufacturer of furniture for the hospitality industry, will invest $1 million to open a manufacturing plant in Martinsville, Va.

The 60,000-square-foot facility will house administrative offices, a showroom and state-of-the-art production operations to make upholstered seating products for the companys custom, program and catalog offerings for hospitality guestrooms and public spaces, according to Kimball Hospitality.

The facility will create 67 jobs, according to the company.

The company noted that the Henry County region boasts an experienced workforce and highly skilled craftsmen.

The skills and craftsmanship that have become such a tradition in this talent-rich environment make the selection of this location an easy decision, said Bob Bomholt, vice president, sales and marketing, for Kimball Hospitality. From pattern makers and frame makers, to those with sewing skills and upholstery experience and engineering know-how in computer programming and AutoCAD design, the talented people of this area are a foundation for success.

The new facility will support Kimballs expansion into hospitality seating, according to the company.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.