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.
RomWeber has been a leader in the home furnishings market for over 130 years. Our name has stood for extraordinary quality at an exceptional value. During our manufacturing years, we built, using mostly maple solids with hand matched veneers, a product line consisting of entertainment units, wall systems, bookcases, home office units, storage cabinets and occasional pieces. More than 90 individual, signature pieces were in our collections – with new product introductions made twice a year.
Grounded in tradition, our 450,000 square foot facility is an interesting combination of old world craftsmanship with first cut timber, hardwood floors throughout, brick walls, hand hewed post and beam construction enhanced with today’s modern amenities. One of Batesville’s oldest buildings built by the Greeman Brothers in 1863 is still part of our complex. Visitors from surrounding metropolitan areas will find a touch of the past with a taste of small town charm. We remain today as we began so many years ago, a family-owned company.
RomWeber's New Lease On Life:
In 2009 the RomWeber decided to repurpose the 180,000 sf. ft. of factory space into a unique shopping experience with a marketplace environment to serve the lack of retail alternatives within the Batesville community. Furthermore we will continue to run the already popular RomWeber Factory sales and will also be exploring the options of holding a variety of other events to both promote the Marketplace and bring tourists into the historic town of Batesville.
Coming in June of 2012 is the RomWeber Flats, over 50 senior housing apartments. Units will consist of one and two bedroom units all completely handicapped accessible. Washer and dryers will be available on each floor along with storage units. A senior center will be located on the first floor. Covered parking will be located across from the main entrance. For information please email info@romwebermarketplace.com.
