Beautiful furniture and an impressive industry to discover!
MONTRÉAL, March 30, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting this coming Saturday and for two consecutive weekends, Québec-made furniture will be in the spotlight through a new partnership between the Québec Furniture Manufacturers Association (QFMA) and the Open House Weekends (OHW) event. To mark the 20th edition of the event, four residential units will be furnished with made-in-Québec furniture by four designers, overseen by renowned designer Jean-Claude Poitras. But it begs the question: Why isn't Québec-made furniture – whose quality, design, durability and comfort are undisputed – better known and more visible in residential and institutional places?
It's true the general public is not all that familiar with most Québec furniture manufacturers or the products they make. "It is surprising, considering the economic impact of our industry," said Pierre Richard, the President and CEO of the QFMA. "With $3.4 billion in sales and accounting for more than 22,300 jobs in 2014, the furniture industry is among the top seven employers in Québec's manufacturing sector. Our residential furniture manufacturers, which are predominantly Québec-owned, supply 20% of the Canadian market, compared to 7% for Ontario and 11% for the rest of Canada. This means 62% of the residential furniture sold on the Canadian market is imported, including almost 51% from China. Despite the sizable portion of imports, the Québec furniture industry is the uncontested leader of the Canadian industry overall."
Another striking fact: the furniture industry is the hardwood forestry sector's biggest customer, since 77% of Québec's residential furniture is made of wood, of which the main species are sugar maple, cherry wood, white birch, oak, ash, beech, and American cherry. The furniture industry is also a wealth creator through its exports. Most Québec manufacturers that export their furniture do so on the American market, at a rate of 94% of the $743 million in exports in 2014.
Everyone is cordially invited to see the furniture made by Québec manufacturers during the Open House Weekends event on April 2-3 and 9-10. It includes products made by Alphavic, Amisco, Beaudoin, Bois & Design, Dinec, Dutailier, G. Romano, Huppé, Idéal, Matelas Mirabel, Matelas Therapedic, Meubles Arboit & Poitras, Meubles South Shore, Mobican, Nexera, Via and Zedbed.
The Québec Furniture Manufacturers Association 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 and institutional furniture, manufacturers of furniture components, as well as product and service 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
Image with caption: "Logo : Québec Furniture Manufacturers Association (CNW Group/Association des fabricants de meubles du Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160330_C3814_PHOTO_EN_649867.jpg
Nathalie Lessard, Communications Director, [email protected] 514 866-3631 x209
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