MONTRÉAL, March 29, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting this Saturday and over the next two weekends, the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers' Association (QFMA) invites the public to discover Québec-Made Furniture, and the many wonders of the industry itself. Open House Weekends will be held April 1-2 and 8-9, and as part of the event the public will be able to visit four condo units furnished with Québec-Made Furniture. At the same time, well-known multi-disciplinary designer Jean-Claude Poitras, who is also the spokesperson for the event, is presenting his furniture favourites, a selection of great finds he is sharing with the public to showcase the creativity and diversity of Québec-Made Furniture.
Based on a recent survey conducted by the Léger Marketing firm, 86% of 1,000 respondents said they found it difficult to find Québec-Made Furniture. Actually, Québec retailers have an ample supply of furniture in the marketplace but Québec-Made Furniture is still little-known, and even less is known about the industry itself. "This is a startling fact, especially when you consider the economic impact of our industry," stated QFMA President and CEO, Pierre Richard. "The majority of our businesses are Québec-owned; the industry accounts for $3.4 billion in annual sales and more than 24,000 jobs. The furniture industry is one of the top seven employers in the manufacturing sector of the province of Québec. Since our companies are spread out over some 1,500 establishments in every region of the province, they are real engines of regional prosperity. They spend $2.3 billion a year in production and generate close to $1 billion in wages, which provides a total revenue of some $254 million to provincial government coffers. So, increased awareness of Québec-Made Furniture will result in enhanced economic benefits."
The furniture industry is also the leading customer of the hardwood industry; 76% of residential furniture in Québec is made of wood. The furniture industry also creates wealth through its exports; Québec manufacturers that export their furniture do so on the American market, accounting for 95% of the $964 million of furniture exported in 2015.
On April 1-2 and 8-9, make it a point to discover the furniture creations of Ameublements Renaissance esp inc., Amisco, Beaudoin, Bois & Design, Camlen Inc., Dutailier, Elran, G Romano, Groupe Lacasse, Huppé, Jaymar, La Fabrique de Matelas, Limuro, Matelas Mirabel, Mobican, Nexera, South Shore, Trica and Zedbed, at afmq.com. The public can also vote for its furniture favourites and have a chance to win an assortment of Québec-Made Furniture and GE appliances.
The Québec Furniture Manufacturers' Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2017 and actively contributes to the growth of the Québec furniture industry and oversees its promotion and development in Canada and internationally. Founded in 1942, the QFMA brings together manufacturers of residential, office, institutional furniture, and furniture components, as well as suppliers to this industry. The QFMA also defends the interest of its members and conveys industry issues on various speaking platforms and to government authorities. Full details are available at afmq.com.
SOURCE Association des fabricants de meubles du Québec
Nathalie Lessard, Communications Director, [email protected], 514 866-3631 x209
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