Flexsteel could make some production overseas

DUBUQUE - A Dubuque-based furniture manufacturer is considering moving some production of a signature product to Mexico and Asia.

Flexsteel Industries CEO Jerry Dittmer told the Telegraph Herald the possible change in production of Flexsteel's blue steel spring would be part of an effort to expand the company's global footprint.

'Today's business climate requires a more agile supply chain than ever before,” he said. 'There is always pressure for faster delivery, and right now, we have long lead times.”

The movement of some production is not a done deal, Dittmer said, but the plans have been shared with union representatives.

Flexsteel has said its patented blue steel spring is 'at the core” of Flexsteel's furniture quality. T

About 150 workers at the Dubuque plant primarily produce blue steel spring and vehicle seating, with most working on seating, Dittmer said.

Around 200 more workers are split between company headquarters and the production plant, bringing the Dubuque total to about 350.

In the second quarter of the current fiscal year, which concluded on Dec. 31, the company reported losses of $5.4 million.

'We've been able to shore up the company in a good way,” Dittmer said this week. 'We've stabilized the balance sheet, and parts of our business are growing again.