Bentley gets idle staff to build furniture, considers entry into furniture business | FerrariChat

Bentley gets idle staff to build furniture, considers entry into furniture business

Discussion in 'British' started by VWA2MKII, Mar 6, 2009.

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  1. VWA2MKII

    VWA2MKII Karting

    May 3, 2008
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    Regina, Canada
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    Nick L.
    #1 VWA2MKII, Mar 6, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Luxury carmakers have a knack for stamping their logos on almost anything, from pens, to laptops and watches. But the latest direction Bentley is turning for additional revenue has left us scratching our heads a little - the 90-year old company has started producing furniture, including tables and cabinets.

    At first we thought that perhaps Bentley's recent 10% pay cut imposed on all of its employees may have caused some screws to come loose in upper management, but the reality of the situation is that the global economic crisis has forced the company to seek creative solutions to keep its workers employed.

    This means that leftover walnut wood used for car dashboards will be used to make wooden furniture by a staff of 140 at Bentley, reports the Telegraph. The company will be using what would have been wasted material, as well as providing work for its employees - and at the end of the day Bentley may even be able to sell the furniture to the public if there is demand. As Bentley says, there would be no point in wasting the skills of its craftsmen, some of whom have worked in the company woodwork shops for over four decades, and the plan will allow numerous employees to be retained throughout the recession.

    For now, the Bentley furniture will be used to refurbish showrooms and company offices. Eventually, if there is enough demand, Bentley may sell pieces to the public but this still remains uncertain.
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  2. TheMayor

    TheMayor Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Feb 11, 2008
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    Honestly, I don't like these tan seats at all. They look like they are from an airport lounge or something --- way too industrial and not inviting.
     
  3. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 6, 2003
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    I say bravo to the management for not slashing the workforce and sending people off. Heck, as long as they're producing something it's better than nothing. They could make office chairs from the seats, charge a few $k. Guy who buys a CGT might add that as a $4-5k "option."
     
  4. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    Kinda cool actually.........if they actually make it in house........versus just licensing the name to someone else.
     
  5. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

    Feb 18, 2007
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    Florian
    +1

    And I guess the workforce is MUCH more willing to work hard and perform knowing their management doesn't let them down when the times get rough.


    The red/black interior looks awesome, which car is ist?
     
  6. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    Dec 29, 2006
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    Tim Keseluk
    Sounds like a fun project that could turn into a profitable spinoff business.

    Everyone stays busy being creative.
     
  7. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
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    +1

    Bentley is known for making some of the best interiors. If they can keep their staff on, and let them continue to hone their craft then that isa plus in my book.
     
  8. TheBigEasy

    TheBigEasy F1 World Champ
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    That's the new "Speed" version of the Continental GT... it has the same seats as the Bugatti Veyron.
     
  9. Arvin Grajau

    Arvin Grajau Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 Arvin Grajau, Mar 8, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

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