HSL, a family business which employs more than 500 people and has been making and selling upholstered chairs, sofas and adjustable beds in Batley, West Yorkshire, since 1968, has been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark.
Owned and managed by the Burrows family, who established the company over 55 years ago, HSL is known for its luxury recliner chairs and comfortable sofas as well as adjustable electric beds. The manufacturing process, at the company's Batley production site, was the subject of an episode of BBC show Inside the Factory earlier this year.
The Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence for Britain's top furniture and furnishing manufacturers for 30 years and is awarded to companies demonstrating the highest standards in design, product development and function, manufacture, human resources, financial stability, sustainability and sales and marketing.
Steve Bulmer, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, says, 'Gaining the Manufacturing Guild Mark is the result of an extremely rigorous audit and assessment process. We scrutinise every aspect of a business's operation, and the fact that HSL passed with flying colours is testament to their pedigree and credentials as an exceptional British furniture manufacturer.'
He adds, 'The team really impressed us with their commitment to continuous improvement. They have refined and re-engineered their manufacturing processes after establishing their own design and development team eight years ago, investing in high-spec machinery and technology to improve efficiencies and quality.'
The firm has also launched new product ranges, gaining the Queen's Award for Innovation.
More information:
Furniture Makers
www.furnituremakers.org.uk