In 1933, W. Ray Jackson founded Jackson Furniture in the midst of the Great Depression. We opened our doors the day the banks closed theirs. Since then our family has continued to create furniture, right here in the USA. We have seen decades of American prosperity, challenge, war and mind-blowing advancements in science and technology. our family has never forgotten the way our company and Country began, with perseverance, hope, and hard work.
Throughout all those decades of change, on thing remains constant: Families love to relax together in a room filled with comfortable furniture. That is where we have been, and will always be... from being huddled around a radio to being kicked back infront of a giant flat screen.
Introduction
Born in 1903, Mr. W. Ray Jackson left very humble beginnings in Cleveland, TN at age 16 to set out on his own. After working for several years in an auto assembly plant in Ohio, he returned back South to Tennessee to try the chair upholstery business. After quickly learning the upholstery craft, he took the $30 in his pocket - ALL he had left after the banks closed during the Great Depression - and started Jackson Furniture Company. The business grew and grew with expanded factories and more people hired and put to work. His $30 gamble paid off as by the 1970s he had over 1.3 million square feet of furniture manufacturing space in TN, MS, TX, and FL - and now held one of the largest family owned furniture enterprises in the USA.
Comfortable America
His greatest turning point was determining that assembly line production of Platform Glider Recliners was the key to a "comfortable America". He took his knowledge from the automobile industry and applied it to Chair/Glider production. These same techniques are still used every day in our plants as the culture still thrives under 3rd generation leadership.
Focused in the USA
Mr. Jackson would often comment that much of his success came from good old-fashioned hard work, and a dedication to giving employees an opportunity to "better themselves".
Today, Jackson Furniture Industries remains focused in the USA. We have 6 factories and over 1,500 dedicated employees and vendors committed to producing the most comfortable and longest lasting furniture that money can buy.
Modern Times
A lot has changed in the furniture industry since 1933. Recent developments, such as the closing of major textile plants in the U.S., have forced us to go overseas for products like fabrics and leathers that are no longer available here in mass quantities. The covers on our products may be made elsewhere, but for nearly all of our products, employees in our American factories build the frames and apply the cover. While many of our components, including our recliner mechanisms, are fabricated by our dedicated employees in this country, we also consider international suppliers and laborers for some parts - such as handles, massagers and swivel bases - in order to build long-lasting furniture at an accessible price.
At Jackson Furniture, we are investing in our plants and doing everything we can to remain a trusted, strong and competitive employer in the U.S. We are extremely proud of our roots and we look forward to providing you with Americanmade comfort and quality for many more years to come!
Cleveland Chair Company (C.C.C.) manufacturers its first rocker and stationary chairs
W. Ray Jackson opens his Upholstery Company - manufacturing stationary sofas and chairs
Cleveland Chair Company purchased by W. Ray Jackson. Ownership held by Jackson Family for over 80 years. Currently one of the largest family owned furniture companies in the USA
First shipments to Montgomery Ward. C.C.C. pioneered and produced "America's First Recliner" with a steel/metal mechanism. Helped develop hardware with Dr. Anton Lorenz of University of Tennessee.
C.C.C. markets "Catnapper® - America's Most Comfortable Chair."
Jackson Upholstery Plant opens in Northern Virginia with a focus on promotional groups with matching recliners.
Catnapper® introduces Motion Upholstery and Reclining Sectionals.
Catnapper® introduces "Color Express®" Recliners and "Motion Express®" (In-stock ready for immediate delivery and rapid delivery).
Jackson/Catnapper® begins global sourcing with leather upholstery, produced in Italy.
Jackson begins joint venture near Shanghai, China to centralize and professionalize overseas operations for "Cut & Sew" Suede, Leather and Jacquard fabrics for assembly in the USA.
Catnapper® introduces new "Steel Technology" frames in all reclining products.
Jackson/Catnapper® Furniture opens large permanent facility near Shanghai, China to quadruple capacity and grow global market share.
Jackson/Catnapper® introduces "Comfor-Gel™" Advanced Comfort Seating Innovation
Jackson Furniture Industries opens two new manufacturing facilities in Mississippi
Jackson Furniture® introduces Steel Tech Framing, a revolutionary new stationary upholstery steel frame construction
Catnapper® introduces new "Health&Wellness Station" category in reclining products.
Jackson Furniture Industries opens a new manufacturing facility in Asheboro, NC