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Morrisville, Vermont - May 14, 2010

Vermont Precision Woodworks is proud to make handsome bedroom groups and dining room sets. "We're putting quality in our work," says retail manager David Nepveu.

But the company has struggled to keep offering its designs. "It's frustrating," sighs manufacturing manager Roger Stevens. "But we're holding on tooth and nail."

In its heyday in the 1980s and 90s, Vermont Precision Woodworks had 100 employees. Now, just five.

Their $10 million wholesale business has shrunk to $500,000, following a trend in Vermont's furniture industry. A decade ago, state labor records show more than 3,200 Vermonters designed and built furniture. The number has slumped to less than half that: 1,554 people were employed making furniture in 2009.

Many Vermont artisans have opened up small shops to focus on high-end custom furniture. That segment commands higher prices than others in the industry.

Ethan Allen's shutdown of the line at its Beecher Falls plant last year was a big blow to the sector that's been taken out at the knees by foreign imports. "The last thing I want to do is sell junk to people," Nepveu says.

The imports may be cheaper, but Vermont companies argue, not better. Locally-made furniture can usually be modified to meet buyers' tastes in color or design. "You're not going to get that in a box from China," says Nepveu. "They just don't have the options."

Vermont Precision Woodworks is confident furniture making has a future in the state. "Vermonters always stand by their products!" Roger Stevens beams.

Companies here need to stay lean, he says, and keep doing what locals can do that many overseas competitors cannot: focus on high quality materials and good customer service. "And hope in the end, all your hard work will pay off and good things will happen," Stevens explains.

Wood is ingrained in the "Made in Vermont" name, and the team at Vermont Precision Woodworks wants to keep it that way.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont