In its mission to develop strong Asia-based operations and build a supply chain and logistics operation, Furniture Brands International Inc. announced Monday it has established its Asian headquarters and made several promotions and re-assignments.

The company established Furniture Brands (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., where eventually a 120-person office will serve as the headquarters of the company’s Asian operations. As managing director, Jimmy Martin will head all of the global sourcing efforts for Furniture Brands. He will be stationed in Dongguan, China.

The company named Davy Whittington head of distribution and logistics; Jeff Smith head of product development; Brian Martin head of sourcing operations; and Tara Newman will coordinate import logistics functions.

In order to achieve its goal of operational excellence in supply chain and logistics, Furniture Brands said it will consolidate its distribution center operations both domestically and offshore; consolidate all efforts around customs compliance; and rollout consolidated container-direct deliveries to larger retailers.

St. Louis-based Furniture Brands International Inc. manufactures furniture under the Thomasville, Henredon, Drexel Heritage, Maitland-Smith, Broyhill and Lane brands.

Published January 7, 2008 by the St. Louis Business Journal

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