Quality keeps family firm on top | Hawkes Bay Business | Business News for Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Cheap imports once threatened the viability of Wairoa furniture makers Clyde Style by O'Connell, but enduring quality and the internet have ensured the success of the firm started by Bill O'Connell 43 years ago.

Today the firm is run by sons James and Kevin.

"Bill started working for Deluxe Ford and decided to go out on his own - he was a car upholsterer and decided to make a lounge suite for himself," James said.

Clyde Style manufactures lounge suites as well as native-wood furniture.

Their classic Essex range has not changed in 30 years, except for the innovation of a recliner option.

James said when the furniture industry was going well the company had seven salesmen and wholesaled to the major chains.

But cheap imports and a faltering economy hit the company hard.

"When the market crashed we found they weren't stocking us so much, so we decided to sell direct - which has paid off."

Word of mouth and their website were the main sale avenues and business was improving.

"We had a good lead up to Christmas and coming back has been strong."

They were looking at hiring a salesman and taking on two upholstery apprentices.

"They often go on to do a cabinet making apprenticeship as well."

People's tastes were changing, James said.

"They are realising imported furniture is not that flash - we repair a lot of furniture for the chain stores."

While they have always stood behind their craftsmanship Clyde Style now offer a 10 year warranty.

"We put 30 suites into Parliament House in the 90s and had to offer a guarantee. We just made it 10 years and kept it for all our clients."

Leather is sourced from Taranaki.

"We used to buy it in Hawke's Bay but the tannery shut down."

The brothers have diversified the business but still operate as a team.

Kevin works from Omahu Rd in Hastings and specialises in full restorations of vintage and classic car upholstery.

"We make the lounge suites in Wairoa and, depending on where the orders are from, we might send the frames down to Kevin for padding and upholstering."

Dad keeps a proud eye on his sons.

"Bill pops in from his place in Mahia now and then for a cup of tea and makes sure everything's going along alright," James said.