POULSBO, Wash. – Watson Furniture Group has completed a multi-million dollar upgrade and expansion, that includes a 10,000-square-foot warehouse addition and new equipment for the production of contract furniture.

Watson President CK McKenzie said the upgrades will improve capacity, reduce waste, and safeguard the supply chain. “While the market is slower, we’re taking the time to invest in more space, equipment, and employee training,” he added. “We’re ready to run when the market bounces back.”

The changes build upon earlier supply-chain protections and production efficiencies put in place, that have enabled Watson to come out ahead after pandemic-caused scarcities in material and manpower, the company said.

Among the new equipment is a Black Bros. Panel Express heated laminator, which enables Watson to move from laminating into production without the need for additional curing or press time. The system uses environmentally friendly PVA adhesives, thereby eliminating the hazards and waste related to solvent-based contact adhesive methods, the company said.

Tooling upgrades include BLM Group’s LT7 Lasertube Cutter, which it said delivers knife-edge cut quality with the flexibility to meet the aesthetic needs of small-batch customer demands. The LT7 works in concert with BLM’s Elect 52 Steel Tube Bender to increase manufacturing accuracy and efficiency, even when engaged in bending special profiles.

When building the new warehouse addition, the company said considered not just the amount of new space, but how to use that new space in service of customer needs, especially with a surge in return-to-office initiatives. So raw materials share the floor with finished products, reducing lead times from assembly through delivery. 

“We’re investing in our customers and our employees,” McKenzie said. “At Watson, we’ve always been about the product, process, and people.”

Headquartered in Poulsbo, Washington, Watson Furniture manufactures contract furniture including desks, workstations, public safety consoles, tables, lounge furniture and storage items for the office and workspace. The company is ranked #163 on the FDMC 300, a list of the largest wood products producers in North America.