Museum grade machinery auctioned as Georgia Chair closes after 102 years

Woodworking Industry News

Furniture

By Bill Esler

September 25, 2016 | 4:45 pm CDT

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GAINESVILLE, Ga. - A school furniture manufacturer whose market for school library furniture, desks and chairs has dwindled, goes up for auction this week. Machinery on sale reflects a somewhat static approach to maintaining production operations, with few computers in sight, and vintage names plates that are almost period art.

Third generation owner Harry Bagwell told WSB-TV he has been working 33 years at Georgia Chair, since his childhood. His grandfather opened the business in 1914. Bagwell says school systems are no longer buying quality furniture, ending his company's business in library furnishings, desks and chairs for schools.

A Northwood dual head CNC is one sign of computer controlled operations. The auction is being conducted by Industrial Recovery Services online this week. items purchased must be removed by October 28, 2016. The business is situated on a 5.5 acre lot.

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About the author

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines.

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers.

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.