31 May 2001
Montpellier Magic at Hearth and Home 2001
Montpellier Marble has declared Hearth and Home 2001 its best exhibition to-date. The new surrounds introduced at this year’s show were so well-received that production schedules have had to be adjusted to accommodate anticipated demand arising from showroom displays ordered. Once again, the Tamara column surround was the star attraction clocking up orders at an astonishing rate. By the time the Monday evening Hearth and Home Awards ceremony arrived where she was Highly Commended in the category of best mantel, the Tamara was the display fireplace of choice for the majority of Montpellier’s retailers, with the California a close second.
Fortunately, plans have been underway to set up an additional production facility dedicated to the manufacture of column surrounds the Tamara and the Palazzo, which was also nominated as runner up in the Fireplace Assembly category. Says Michael Mellor, Director, who oversees supply and production, “The columns for these surrounds are hand-carved on a lathe and are extremely labour-intensive. Setting up a dedicated unit means we will be able to satisfy demand for these very popular fireplaces and shorten delivery leads in time for the forthcoming season.”
Although some of the company’s regular retailers failed to appear at Harrogate this year, there were many new faces at the show and Montpellier was able to nail down some representation in territories hitherto unsecured. “The show is the perfect opportunity for our retailers to see the new surrounds and let us know their views so that we can take these on board when we develop new designs”, says David Podmore, Sales and Marketing Director, “it was a shame many were not able to see our latest collection which seems to capture the mood of the moment”. The new surrounds are now on display at the Montpellier’s Cheltenham showroom and members of the trade are welcome to come and view these during showroom opening times which are 9.00 am to 5.00 am on weekdays.