UPDATE: Ethan Allen Plans to Expand Manufacturing Production in Vermont, Announces New Job Openings and Increases Wages

Rhea-AI Summary

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. (ETD) has reiterated its dedication to maintaining and expanding its North American manufacturing workshops, actively recruiting employees despite rising costs. CEO Farooq Kathwari highlighted the company's strategy of in-house production as a competitive advantage. In response to labor shortages and escalating expenses, Ethan Allen raised its starting wage to $16.00 per hour. The company emphasizes the importance of attracting skilled labor while managing costs associated with state taxes and electricity. These efforts aim to strengthen its workforce and support continued growth in Vermont.

Positive

• Reaffirmed commitment to North American manufacturing and product customization.
• Increased starting wage to $16.00 per hour to attract skilled labor.
• Continued investments in technology to enhance operations.
• Maintains a strong presence in Vermont, creating local job opportunities.

Negative

• Labor shortage and rising manufacturing costs pose challenges to growth.
• Escalating state income and property taxes impact overall expenses.

DANBURY, Conn., Sept. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. (“Ethan Allen” or the “Company”) today reaffirmed its commitment to maintain and grow its North American workshops where customization helps create relevant and quality products. To further this commitment, Ethan Allen is actively recruiting new employees for its manufacturing operations in both Beecher Falls and Orleans, Vermont despite escalating manufacturing costs.

Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen’s Chairman, President and CEO stated, “We are pleased to see our business continue to be strong as we work to deliver customer orders and help them make their home a haven. Our commitment to manufacturing most of our own products has proven both a strategic and a branding advantage. We are fortunate to have maintained and grown our manufacturing facilities in North America which enables us to be in a better position to serve our clients. We also continue to make major investments in technology.”

During a recent visit to Vermont, Kathwari was reminded of the Company’s vibrant local history, which spans nearly 90 years. Ethan Allen is proud to be one of the Northeast Kingdom’s largest employers. “We’re named after one of Vermont’s most revered historical figures, and we started our business in Beecher Falls in 1932,” says Kathwari. “Many of the associates in our Vermont plants are from families that have worked with us for generations.”

Kathwari continued, “However, during the last twenty years our production in Vermont has had major declines due to a number of factors including the shortage of labor and the escalation of manufacturing costs. Our growth and future expansion depends on attracting and retaining strong talent while also controlling major costs of manufacturing in Vermont including escalating state income taxes, property taxes, and costs of electricity.”

As part of its strategy to attract and retain strong talent, the Company recently increased its starting wage to $16.00 an hour as well as provided increases for those more experienced associates, a move that Kathwari hopes will attract and retain a new generation of craftspeople to Ethan Allen’s team of artisans. “Competitive wages, along with our strong focus on safety, excellent medical benefits, steadfast environmental commitment, and unrivaled reputation for quality has always made our workshops an exceptional place to build a career,” Kathwari noted.

In addition to two manufacturing workshops in Vermont, Ethan Allen also operates a Design Center on the western side of the state in Shelburne. Ethan Allen values the contributions of its Vermont associates and looks forward to continued growth in the region.

“I am pleased that we have made the decision to add more associates and increase base wages in Vermont, and I am confident that this will help us attract additional talented people including those just getting started,” Kathwari concluded.

ABOUT ETHAN ALLEN
Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. (NYSE: ETD) is a leading interior design company, manufacturer, and retailer in the home furnishings marketplace. The Company is a global luxury home fashion brand that is vertically integrated from product design through home delivery, which offers its customers stylish product offerings, artisanal quality, and personalized service. The Company provides complimentary interior design service to its clients and sells a full range of home furnishings through a retail network of approximately 300 design centers in the U.S. and abroad as well as online at ethanallen.com. Ethan Allen owns and operates nine manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Mexico, and Honduras, including one sawmill, one rough mill, and a lumberyard. Approximately 75% of its products are manufactured or assembled in these North American facilities. For more information on Ethan Allen's products and services, visit www.ethanallen.com.

Contact:
Geri Moran
VP, Marketing & PR
203.743.8374
geri.moran@ethanallen.com

FAQ

What actions is Ethan Allen (ETD) taking to address labor shortages?

Ethan Allen is actively recruiting new employees and has increased its starting wage to $16.00 per hour to attract talent.

How is Ethan Allen (ETD) managing rising manufacturing costs?

The company is focusing on retaining strong talent while controlling costs associated with state taxes and electricity.

What is the significance of Ethan Allen's commitment to North American manufacturing?

Ethan Allen's dedication to in-house production provides a strategic and branding advantage, ensuring quality and customization for customers.

Where are Ethan Allen's manufacturing facilities located?

Ethan Allen operates manufacturing facilities primarily in Vermont, with additional locations in Mexico and Honduras.

What percentage of Ethan Allen's products are manufactured in North America?

Approximately 75% of Ethan Allen's products are manufactured or assembled in North American facilities.