Behind the Scenes: A Tour of CR Laine's Factory in Hickory, NC
CR Laine is a brand synonymous with craftsmanship, comfort, and premium, American-made quality. At u-fab interiors, we’re proud to offer their exceptional furniture, known for its timeless style and superior construction. Recently, two of our Design Consultants, Ana and Cherisse, had the incredible opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of CR Laine’s factory in Hickory, NC, where each piece of furniture is handcrafted with precision and care. Today, we’re excited to share what they discovered on their tour and give you a closer look at the craftsmanship behind one of our favorite brands.
A Deep Dive into American Craftsmanship
Located in the heart of North Carolina, Hickory is home to CR Laine, a brand that has been perfecting the art of premium upholstery since 1958. With a strong commitment to domestic production, CR Laine has stayed deeply connected to its hometown, where skilled artisans handcraft each piece of furniture, seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with modern technology.
Ana and Cherisse had the opportunity to walk through the factory floor, witnessing firsthand how CR Laine combines innovative technology with traditional techniques to create high-quality furniture. From hand-tied springs to precision fabric pattern matching, every step of the process showcases the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality and longevity.
From Start to Finish: A Step-by-Step Look at the Process
The process of making a single CR Laine piece is intricate and thoughtful, beginning with the selection of materials. Ana and Cherisse saw firsthand how each frame starts with select Appalachian hardwoods, chosen for their strength and sustainability. These hardwood frames form the backbone of every piece, ensuring long-lasting durability. One of the most impressive aspects of the tour was witnessing the eight-way hand-tied springs in action. This age-old technique, a hallmark of premium upholstery, provides a flexible, supportive sitting experience that guarantees comfort for years to come. Skilled artisans carefully tie each spring by hand, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail that set CR Laine apart from other brands.
While craftsmanship remains at the heart of CR Laine’s production process, the brand has seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology to enhance both efficiency and precision. Ana was particularly impressed by a machine used to process leather hides, allowing each hide to be carefully color-matched and assessed for optimal pattern placement. The leather is then laser-cut with precision, ensuring consistent quality and a perfect fit for each piece. This combination of traditional artistry and modern innovation allows CR Laine to maintain its commitment to excellence while meeting the demands of today’s furniture industry.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Craftsmanship and comfort are key to CR Laine, but sustainability also plays an integral role in their production process. Ana and Cherisse discovered that CR Laine uses responsibly sourced Appalachian and engineered hardwoods, supporting sustainable forestry practices and helping preserve natural resources. The brand also strives to reduce waste and conserve energy, underscoring their commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating sustainable practices into every step of production, CR Laine ensures that their beautiful furniture is made with both quality and the planet in mind.
The Personal Touch: Ana and Cherisse’s Experience
For Ana and Cherisse, the tour was a unique opportunity to connect with the brand on a deeper level. As Design Consultants, they often work directly with clients to select the perfect CR Laine pieces for their homes, but seeing the process firsthand gave them a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each item.
“What really stood out to me was how clean and organized everything was,” said Cherisse. “As people who work closely with custom orders and complex design projects, we know just how impressive it is for a facility of that size—with so many people and moving parts—to stay so organized. It was amazing to see that level of care and professionalism behind the scenes.”
Ana added, “One of the things that impressed me most was how streamlined their factory is. Every aspect—from having fabric readily available to the precision of the woodworking—is run so smoothly and efficiently. It’s no wonder they produce such consistent, high-quality pieces.”
See the Factory for Yourself: A Photo Gallery
Experience CR Laine at u-fab interiors
If you’re ready to see the CR Laine difference for yourself, stop by u-fab interiors to explore our selection of handcrafted American-made furniture. Whether you’re drawn to a particular piece or need help customizing the perfect design for your space, our team of Design Consultants is here to guide you every step of the way.
