The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, has announced that Lectra, a world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, has signed up as major sponsor of the Manufacturing Guild Mark.
The Manufacturing Guild Mark has served as a mark of excellence, distinguishing some of Britain’s top furnishing manufacturers, since 1993. The award is made to the company that demonstrates high standards across all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, design, product quality, marketing, finance, commitment to training, employment conditions and sustainability.
The audits are carried out by FIRA International on behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company and companies are re-audited every three years to ensure they retain their high standards.
Currently 18 British manufacturers hold the Manufacturing Guild Mark, including Bisley, Ercol and Hypnos Beds.
Paul von der Heyde, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, says: “We are absolutely delighted that Lectra has become the major sponsor of the Manufacturing Guild Mark. The mark is the highest accolade UK furnishing manufacturers can achieve. To be a holder is to be an exemplar of the furnishing industry. Retailers, specifiers and distributors that deal with companies that hold the mark can rest easy knowing that they are working with a great British furnishings manufacturer that has achieved the highest standards.”
Richard Jessup, Lectra manufacturing accounts director and corporate liveryman of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “At Lectra, we are delighted to be able to support operational excellence in the UK furnishing industry. Sponsoring the Manufacturing Guild Mark means that we are able to recognise those companies that can be described as true leaders, setting an example to the industry by ensuring that they are working to the highest standards. Holders of the Manufacturing Guild Mark should be immensely proud of that what they have been able to achieve.”
