Lee Industries: Brittany’s Perspective of Lee Academy

 

2010 Lee Academy - Design Lines

 

Interior designers from all across the country and the extraordinary people who work at Lee Industries  pose for a picture.

Not originally from North Carolina, I still marvel at the fact that beautiful furniture is made right here within the state of North Carolina. Touring the factory was like watching an intricate machine operate, we were able to see each process happening whether that was by hand or with a human operating a machine. Let’s begin with some of the highlights!

 

Lee Academy Factory Design Lines COM Fabrics

 

First, bolts of fabric arrive at the factory and are tagged to their respective furniture frame.

 

Lee Academy Factory Design Lines Lay Out

 

Next, the fabric is rolled out and inspected, prepared for cutting and sewing.

 

Lee Academy Factory Design Lines Cuting

 

The patterns are then cut out of the fabric using a computer aided program. The strips you see on the table are being used to create a welt cord.

We closely observed the sewing department as they sew different pieces together.

Below:A top-stitch is created on leather.

 Lee Academy Factory Design Lines Sewing

 

Special details like a hidden zipper pocket and jumbo contrast top-stitching make each piece unique.

 

Lee Academy Factory Design Lines (2)

 

Lee Industries president Norman Coley (middle) observes a hardwood frame and nylon webbing.

 Lee Academy Leather Factory Design Lines Frames

 

Above:  A master upholster begins tying down the metal springs with 8 way hand tied knots, a mark of good quality.

Below:  An upholster finishes an ottoman with covered buttons.

 Lee Academy Factory Design Lines Workers

 

Have you ever heard the phrase “spitting tacks?”  This experienced upholster (above in green) holds his hammer to his mouth to show us a tried and true quick method.

 

Below:  A gorgeous Chesterfield sofa.

Lee Academy Factory Design Lines 

Above: A covered welt cord will be applied to finish the edges on this pretty sofa with exposed wood.

  Lee Academy Factory Design Lines Recycling

 After the factory tour Norman explained to us Lee Industries green practices, you can read all about their eco-friendly company culture here. We really enjoyed our experience at Lee Academy and feel great about all the knowledge we acquired while at the factory.