Camp Copeland

We visited Copeland Furniture headquarters this week in movie-set-idyllic Bradford, Vermont, for a factory tour and training — think summer camp for furniture nerds. The visit confirmed a few details for us: Furniture made at Copeland’s state-of-the art facility melds the Arts & Crafts, Shaker, and Scandinavian aesthetic with modern, functional design. In other words, Copeland fits perfectly in the homes of Century House customers.

Also, Copeland was “green” before green was cool: For decades they have used only sustainably harvested hardwoods; cherry, walnut, maple, and ash are sourced from forests within 500 miles of the factory; and they are Silver Exemplary Members, an elite group (only a dozen members!) certified by the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Camp Copeland also taught us a few things:

• Copeland’s high-tech machinery is balanced by a remarkable amount of traditional, hands-on cabinetmaking techniques. Between stain applications, for example, the furniture is hand-wiped for richer, deeper color.

Hand-wiping stain: Always labor-intensive — and gorgeous.

And the factory is always buzzing with orbital sanders and sanding pads. When given the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with a Copeland assembly team member, we were astounded by this person’s (Mike) attention to detail. Any residual glue or rough spots — even on the back — of the night stand we were cobbling together did not stand a chance under the scrutiny of Mike and his sander.

• Copeland applies post-catalyzed finishes that are harder and more moisture resistant than conventional lacquers. To demonstrate, Copeland’s Director and Sales and Marketing, Ben Copeland, splashed some red wine atop a cherry Catalina dresser prior to one of our training sessions, let it marinate for
  

  Camp Counselor: Tim Copeland

  30 minutes, and during a “nature break” wiped off the small wine pool with no evidence that the surface had ever been abused. Equally impressive, these finishes are GREENGUARD Certified. Translation: The default finish on all Copeland products results in low to no chemical emissions.

• A box-making machine on site allows Copeland to use only the packaging materials they need. As we watched the box maker wield his tape gun with Ninja-like speed and precision, we asked if he might be available at Christmas time at The Century House gift-wrap counter. Again with the speed of a Ninja, he politely declined.
• Finally, we observed that our tour guide, owner Tim Copeland, knew everyone on the factory floor on a first-name basis. Now we know where Copeland Furniture’s attention to detail and customer service originates.