Details
Gloster Furniture, Inc. announced today that it would undertake a major expansion of its existing operations in Halifax County. The company has reached a definitive agreement with O’Sullivan Industries, Inc. to acquire O’Sullivan’s 670,000 +/- square feet facility in the Halifax County Industrial Park. The move will enable Gloster to consolidate its sales, customer support and distribution operations under one roof. The company currently leases approximately 200,000 square feet in the former Daystrom Furniture facility on Green’s Folly Road and office and showroom space in the Climate Control Building on US Highway 58/360.

Gloster currently employs approximately 30 people in Halifax County. The move will create the need for an additional 20 to 25 employees over the next 2 years. Gloster will also be starting a cushion manufacturing operation in the facility in the near future.

Gloster’s CFO, John Nelson said that the acquisition of a larger facility was a strategic decision aimed at providing better service to Gloster’s customers across North and South America. “Gloster’s business has been expanding very rapidly in the last several years and predictions are for continued growth in market share in North and South America”, Nelson explained. “We import most of our products, principally through the port in Norfolk”, he added. “This expanded facility will help us shorten the delivery times to our customers and will improve our overall customer service operations. We were delighted to be able to find a facility that can accommodate our current and future needs right here in Halifax County. We wanted to stay in Halifax County because we have an excellent base of employees here”, Nelson explained.

Nelson especially thanked the IDA of Halifax County for their assistance in making the deal happen. “They were with us every step of the way. It was obvious that there was no way that the IDA was going to let Gloster leave Halifax County. They made introductions for us to state economic development and training officials and did everything they could to pave the way for this decision”.

IDA Chairman Larry L. McPeters applauded Gloster’s decision. “We’ve been working with Gloster on this project for many months. We’re excited and relieved about Gloster’s commitment to stay in Halifax County and to put the O’Sullivan facility back into productive use so quickly after its closure”, McPeters added. McPeters also thanked the IDA Board and staff, the Workforce Services Division of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their assistance in closing the Gloster deal.

Halifax County Board of Supervisors Chairman William Fitzgerald added his appreciation to Gloster for theirexpanded commitment in the county. “Gloster has been a good employer and corporate citizen in Halifax County for many years. We thank Gloster for their decision to expand here and pledge the full support of Halifax County to ensuring their continued success.”

Gloster Furniture, Inc is a Virginia Corporation established in 1999. Gloster has become one of the largest suppliers of high quality outdoor furniture in the world. The company has won numerous international awards for its designs, durability and quality and is especially known for its teak heritage. Gloster’s principal customers are independent furniture retailers, designers and institutional buyers such as resorts and hotels. The company’s Web Site is www.gloster.com.