Flexsteel expands brand to UK with springs from Dubuque

Springs manufactured in Dubuque by Flexsteel Industries will soon be sold as part of a furniture line in the United Kingdom.

The new line, called Flexsteel Lounge and launched in January at the Interiors UK 2013 show in Birmingham, England, includes furniture custom-designed by Wales-based Westbridge Furniture Designs as well as select groups from Flexsteel's Asian-imported Latitudes collection.

Flexsteel's blue steel seat spring are being exported to Westbridge. The company, with headquarters in Holywell, Flintshire, Wales, sells to independent furniture retailers and high-end department stores throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

"Flexsteel enjoys a powerful, positive image in the furniture industry and is well-respected for its long history of success, capable leadership and financial strength," said Steve Hampton, chief executive of Belfield Furnishings and Westbridge Furniture.

Flexsteel began in the 1890s. The publicly traded company operates several U.S. manufacturing and distribution locations, manages two permanent showrooms.

Flexsteel posted net sales of more than $350 million in 2012. It serves the residential, recreational, vehicle, office, hospitality and health care markets.