HIGH POINT – West Virginia-based solid wood furniture manufacturer Gat Creek will return to High Point for spring market, April 13-17, after a four-year absence.
“Our reasons for leaving in spring 2020 were three-fold,” said Gat Caperton, CEO. “With COVID, we couldn’t have a functional market. At the same time, our lease came up, and like many manufacturers during the post-pandemic bubble, orders expanded dramatically. We didn’t have capacity to sell anything or anyone new.”
Since that time, Gat Creek has completed a factory expansion that doubled its capacity, launched new custom table and upholstered dining chair programs and added new finishes.
“So we’re very excited to return and share our story with existing customers, meet new ones and have a very fruitful April,” Caperton continued. “We’re fortunate to have found the perfect space.”
The company will occupy 2,000 square feet of the second floor at 311 N. Hamilton. The building is owned by The MT Co., a domestic manufacturer of high-end upholstery. While the showrooms will be distinct and separate, the two companies complement one another, said Caperton, helping provide a one-stop shop for buyers.
“We share a lot of similarities,” said George Jordan, MT Co. president. “Gat and I have been friends for a long time and have the same philosophy about quality and taking the long-term view. Also, we’re a family-owned, 40-plus years old, flexible, agile, mid-sized company with a lot of custom capabilities. We don’t compete, so it makes sense to partner in a space where we can gain more exposure for both companies.”
In some ways, it’s about partnering again.
“Our connection with George’s company goes back to when we were both Joe Ruggiero licensees,” he said. “They made the upholstery, and we made the case goods. We did some cross-promoting back in those days, so this feels like a familiar fit. It gives each of us an opportunity to share our similar stories with a wider audience of dealers and designers.”
With around $30 million in annual sales, Gat Creek offers more than 240 furniture designs made-to-order in four wood species, 64 finishes and several hardware options. Every piece is personally signed and dated by its builder. The company completed a two-year-long $10 million factory expansion earlier this month.