MCCONNELLSVILLE, NY – Harden Furniture Co. will receive $750,000 in grants to upgrade its sawmill and manufacturing facilities. The residential and contract furniture manufacturer has been awarded $600,000 from Empire State Development, New York’s economic development agency, and another $150,000 from Oneida County.

The money will assist the company in its expansion and modernization plans. Last year Harden Furniture announced plans to install an estimated $3 million in new technology as part its lean manufacturing initiatives at the 450,000-square-foot facility.

In August, Greg Harden, company president and CEO, said the investment in technology will Harden to extend its lean manufacturing practices to product lines in addition to the upholstery frame and dining table production, while continuing to offer custom options.

Harden added the investment will “establish Harden as one of the few furnishings manufacturers world-wide that has “one off” and true custom capabilities. This will significantly leverage our existing product line while providing dramatic improvements in all aspects of our operations.”

Vertically integrated, the privately held Harden Furniture was founded in 1844 and is the oldest family-owned furnishings manufacturer in North America.