The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 February 1986 — Page 49

Flexsteel Quality Luxury on the Go. Excellence in Vehicle Seating FLE\StK| I INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED NEW PARIS. INDIANA hSSKEIEEI lit Ik E* EEEEE tlfß J > . - - ■•■ Wk ■■ V 1J ■ nl

Vehicle seating is specialty of expanded Flexsteel plant

Luxurious seating and sleeping comfort for travelers is the specialty of the recently expanded Flexsteel New Paris plant. Think of comfortable, multiposition bucket sets; imagine upholstery of glovesoft leather or handsome, durable automotive fabrics: visualize matching sofas that convert with a touch to comfortable beds: you’ll be picturing the seating that is produced here, destined for the interiors of converted vans, rolling motor homes, or cozy compact travel trailers. The Flexsteel plant now houses 1550,000 square feet in manufacturing facilities, where 180 employees blend their skills and talents for the highly-specialized markets they serve. “Our production has been growing steadily since we opened this plant in 1982,” says Ronnie Nash, general manager. “We expect the growth to continue; our last expansion gives us room for considerable future growth. “Our market is highly specialized,” Nash added. “Our standards are extremely high, with rigorous testing to be sure we exceed safety requirements. More than this, our seating must be typically Flexsteel in looks and comfort. This means unremitting quality control, the kind of control we like to think has made our name synonymous with quality.” Nash explained that the vehicle seating market continues to grow at a steady pace, but added that Flexsteel’s growth also comes from increased market penetration. “More and more van converters, for example,” Nash said, “have found that the Flexsteel name on their bucket seats helps them sell a van interior. A lot of customers have Flexsteel in their living rooms, and that name means long-lasting comfort to them.” Nash added that the same considerations have prompted many makers of motor homes to include Flexsteel seats and sofa-

MAD aids town board in promoting business, growth

The steering committee for the Milford Area Development Council was formed in the spring of 1970. It was designed to aid the town board’s efforts in promoting business and community growth in this area. Now, nearly 16 years later, MAD continues to provide this service to the community. One of the most significant projects MAD has undertaken was the construction of a community building, which began in 1982. Today, this building is rented out to numerous clubs and organizations for their regular meetings and special functions as well as to private individuals for parties, fund raisers, receptions and the like. As a non-profit organization, all monies raised by MAD through these rentals go to cover maintenance costs for the community building and toward MAD sponsored town activities — such as the Citizen of the Year Banquet, which is now in its 16th year. Not all monies, however, are raised through rentals. To supplement its income, MAD hosts periodic fund raisers. Because of MAD’s strong interest in the community, it assists with area projects. This year alone, MAD has helped the Milford Fire Department raise funds for the Amkus Rescue System (commonly referred

Sock's Marino serves North Webster area

Sock’s Marina, located on the east end of Webster Lake near North Webster, is a family owned and operated marina. Gene Coverstone purchased the marina in 1975 although it has been on Webster Lake since 1961 and is open March 1 through December 15. Coverstone relates there is a complete service on all makes and models of boats and they have a good inventory of repair parts. His son, Stuart Coverstone, is service manager and has assumed the responsibility of the marina operation along with Scott Coverstone, another son. They are assisted by Dale Stidams along with part-time summer help during the busy season.

Today And Tomorrow —Wed., Feb. 19,198 S

sleepers. Flexsteel seating is also a major component in a number of compact traveltrailer interiors. The plant produces not only the metal frames and pedestals for its seating, but also does its own fabric cutting, sewing and upholstery. A computer-controlled Gerber cutting machine is a recent addition to the plant’s technology, providing both speed and meticulous accuracy in fabric cutting. This year, using the new computerized cutter, the New Paris plant began cutting the fabric for another Flexsteel plant: the Evansville plant where the company makes its popular SofTouch and Ergotouch recliners. The New Paris plant also makes metal framing for shipment to other Flexsteel plants making vehicle seating in Lancaster, Pa., and Dublin, Ga. Also, a new production line has been added, assembling wood frames used in some travel-trailer furnishings, notably sofa-sleepers and swivel rockers. The personnel at New Paris who perpetuate the Flexsteel quality tradition are the secret to the plant’s growth and success, Nash says. “The next time you see a handsome van or motor home interior, look for the name Flexsteel on the seats,” Nash advises. “Chances are that luxurious seating was made by your neighbors, talented people who prove every day that quality and pride in workmanship still exist.” Flexsteel, headquartered at Dubuque, lowa, is one of the country’s oldest and largest makers of fine upholstered furniture and a major supplier of vehicle seating. Eastern United States locations include the Evansville, Lancaster, and Dublin plants mentioned above; also Sweetwater, Tenn.; Harrison, Ark.; and Starkville, Miss. In the west, plants are located in Waxahachie, Texas; and Riverside, Calif.

to as JAWS) and is offering assistance where needed with the upcoming Milford Sesquicentennial. Although no specifics have been made, MAD has also shown an interest in any renovations that may possibly be done to the public library. Its members presently consist of representatives from area groups, such as the Kiwanis Club and the Lions Club, as well as from the town board. When in full complement, MAD serves as an umbrella organization with representatives from the town board, service organizations, community groups, businesses, church groups, and any individuals interested in the community. The newly elected officers for 1966 are as follows: Donn Kesler, president; Don Arnold, treasurer; and Evelyn Orn, secretary. As of the January election, no vice president was elected. MAD will be working to fill this position as soon as possible. Eva Hamilton will remain in her position as building custodian. Elmer Sorensen and Dick Smith will remain in charge of maintenance. MAD meetings will continue to be held on the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. in the community building.

Sock’s Marina has boat storage for 150 boats, sells boat gas on the lake in addition to selling new and used boats and motors. The marina is a franchised Mercury motor dealer and handles such boat lines as J.C. paddle boats, and Rinker Built I/Os and outboards. The marina also has a ramp available for loading and unloading boats at the lake. Coverstone attributes the steady growth of his business over the years to having “satisfied customers.” He related the majority of their customers have been with them for numerous years and new customers have been recommended by other Sock’s Marina customers.