Drexel Heritage
 

Drexel Heritage Furnishings, Inc., based in Drexel, North Carolina, ranks among the top furniture manufacturers in the world in terms of size and volume. For almost 100 years, the Company has manufactured fine furniture with a reputation for exceptional styling and quality craftsmanship. Drexel Heritage employs approximately 1,600 persons in its 7 specialized manufacturing facilities, all of which are based in North Carolina. In addition, the Company outsources manufacturing expertise from around the globe in order to provide unique designs and unsurpassed value to its customers. Throughout the entire product line, Drexel Heritage distinquishes itself by offering furnishings that lead the industry in quality, fashion and styling.

The history of the Company dates back to November 10, 1903, when five enterprising men from Morganton, North Carolina started a small furniture factory. The settlement, built on a tract of land where the wagon track crossed the railroad, became known as Drexel. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area was blessed with an abundant supply of virgin timber including chestnut, oak, poplar, maple and walnut.

Within three years, the 26,600 square foot Drexel plant had 30 employees, and average production was 50 pieces of furniture per week. The product of their labor was a solid oak, three-piece suite that included a bureau, washstand, and bed and sold for $14.50 wholesale. Today, the Company's combined manufacturing and distribution facilities total 2.3 million square feet.

During the 1930's, as a result of the Depression, the Company recognized the need to step away from commodity furniture and "design" home furnishings that would appeal to its customers. A thirteen man sales force was established and the first furniture designers were brought on board. In 1937, Drexel became the first furniture manufacturer to advertise in national magazines.