Ashley founder/chairman Ron Wanek (front row center) toured the new facility with company execs and local officials.
By Alan Wolf, YSN
Manufacturing powerhouse Ashley Furniture Industries has fired up a brand-new factory in Pottsville, Pa.
The 100,000-square-foot facility began production late last month, bringing the company’s U.S. factory count to 12.
Ashley’s latest addition is part of a $1 billion investment in manufacturing, distribution and labor over the next 16 months as the industry faces pandemic-related bottlenecks, historic consumer demand and unprecedented backorders. The ultimate goal, said CEO Todd Wanek, is to achieve a 95-percent level of in-stocks and ready-to-ship inventory.
See: Ashley Investing $1B in Pursuit of 95% In-Stocks
Ashley said the new Pottsville plant will support the company’s advanced Northeast Regional Manufacturing and Distribution Center in nearby Leesport, Pa. The 1.7 million-square-foot complex, which produces stationery upholstery furniture, will also tap into the capital investment to update the facility and cover machinery and equipment costs.
See also: Ashley Sales Chief Rick Coppola Returns to Summit
“The high-demand for furniture has led us to increase our manufacturing operations, which supports brick-and-mortar retail, as well as our e-commerce growth,” Wanek said. “The investments we’re making in our company are not only significant, they demonstrate our willingness to reinvest in our people, our facilities and our machinery to ensure we are well-positioned to meet our customers’ expectations.”
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