The Early Years.
Our unique history dates back to the late 19th century and the three companies from which we evolved: the American Furniture Company, Batesville Cabinet Company, and Batesville Coffin Company. Each company started in 1879, making us one of the nation's oldest case good furniture manufacturers.
American Furniture Company manufactured bedroom furniture while Batesville Cabinet specialized in dining room furniture. Of course, Batesville Coffin is self-explanatory.
When these companies merged, they shared a sales force. The salesmen traveled the nation, calling upon owners of furniture stores and directors of funeral homes - often one in the same. Products were sold and shipped coast to coast, quite a rarity at the time.
1930 - 1959
The Depression was a challenge to most business, and ours was no exception. Our survival hinged on our ability to adapt and make products that were in demand during these lean economic times. In fact, RomWeber made five-pound fruitcake boxes to survive those tough years.
Our versatility came to the fore again during World War II when we made ammunition boxes and pontoons for American troops, and furniture for officers' quarters.
The 60s and beyond.
Romweber furniture went to college with the baby boomers. Schools like Purdue, Indiana University, Xavier University, Miami University of Ohio, and Notre Dame bought it for dorms and classrooms because of its durability. Forty years later, it still is in some of these schools.
No Romweber collection, however, was more popular than our Viking Oak Collection. Word has it that in the early 1930's, R. J. Romweber, grandson of our founder, took a trip to Norway and was inspired to create a line of furniture, based on Nordic design. The result was the Viking Oak Collection, which thrived from 1935 - 1987, making it the longest continuing, commercial furniture collection.
Renowned people and places have been among Romweber customers. U.S. presidents and Saudi royalty have purchased our furniture. So have fine resorts, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan, and The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
In addition, we have helped furnish the Carter Library at Emory University, as well as governors' mansions and distinguished homes nationwide.
The RomWeber name:
American Ingenuity. A Legacy of Old World Craftsmanship.
The name Romweber stands for extraordinary quality at an exceptional value.
We design & manufacture entertainment units, wall systems, bookcases, home office units, storage cabinets and occasional pieces. We offer more than 90 individual, signature pieces in our collections - making new product introductions twice a year.
Grounded in tradition, our 450,000 sf. facility is an interesting combination of the old and new, with our original building still part of the complex. Some of the original employee's descendants are among our current staff, proud to carry on the legacy of their ancestors. In addition, we remain as we began, a family-owned company.
Veneer that Add Individual Character.
As designers and makers of furniture with character, we relish working with veneers. The creative use of veneers is an area in which we have excelled and set the benchmark for more than 100 years. Our real wood veneers are unusual specimens from far reaching corners around the world. Veneers allow RomWeber to deliver the rare and unexpected to customers. As the face of the tree, every veneer is amazingly different.
Looking ahead.
Not many companies flourish over the course of three centuries. We are proud to be one of them. Our attention to quality and detail has led to our success and to five generations of satisfied customers. As we move into the future, our rich past will be our guide.
