Client & Alumni News
Burgeoning demand and expanded product offerings have necessitated a third expansion of Highwood USA, a manufacturer of high-quality synthetic wood products for the spa and furniture industries. The expansion, completed on December 1, 2015, added more than 25,000 SF of new offices, labs, and production space.
The company’s growing outdoor/patio furniture business required the added production area, where three complete furniture production lines are being installed. One line will be dedicated to making Highwood’s outdoor dining sets, which were introduced to the market in 2015. Designer styling of traditional products like Adirondack chairs, porch swings, and gazebos provides furniture that is appropriate for various décors.
Highwood’s unique material resists being degraded by weather, light, and moisture for years. The company is also committed to environmental responsibility, using solar power for approximately 20% of its production, and pursues several other energy-efficiency manufacturing projects.
The company strives for excellence by investing in its employees, processes, state-of-the art labs, and continuous product improvements. Highwood partnered with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2004/2005 and again in 2011, yielding significant product and process improvements that have helped support the company’s progress.
Highwood was a one-man start-up in 2003, importing its synthetic wood from England and selling to Disney World for park benches and outdoor tables. Bringing its manufacturing to the U.S., the company built a factory in the TIDE Industrial Park in Hometown in 2004.
Highwood has experienced ongoing success, accelerating to 27% growth in 2015. Beginning about a dozen years ago with a single founder, Highwood now employs 84 and plans to hire more in 2016 and beyond.
