When a successful office furniture company celebrates its 110th anniversary, even the governor takes notice.
The Gunlocke Company marked 110 years in business Saturday with a grand celebratory picnic that attracted hundreds of people to its complex in Wayland.
And yes, there was even a congratulatory message from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Some 1,200 people were expected at Saturday's celebration. Hundreds of Gunlocke employees, their families and other guests enjoyed food, music, games, prizes and plant tours. Maybe the most popular activity was a chance to sit in the recently Re-upholstered "Big Chair." Everyone was given a turn to take a seat in the oversized chair. A photographer was on hand to snap a photo.
Gunlocke was founded in 1902 by William H. Gunlocke and it originally specialized in chair-making. Today the company has 800 employees, most of them working in Wayland. According to the company web site, Gunlocke manufactures "fine wood furniture for some of the world’s most demanding clients."
A message from Cuomo was read by Dave Seeley, a representative for the governor. In the written remarks, Cuomo called Gunlocke one of the "pillars of the state" and he saluted the company for its "commitment" to the region and to making outstanding products.
"If there is one word that describes Gunlocke it's 'quality,'" said Cynthia Oswald, president of the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Oswald presented an award to company president Don Mead. The chamber president predicted "110 more years" of success for the company.
When a successful office furniture company celebrates its 110th anniversary, even the governor takes notice.
The Gunlocke Company marked 110 years in business Saturday with a grand celebratory picnic that attracted hundreds of people to its complex in Wayland.
And yes, there was even a congratulatory message from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Some 1,200 people were expected at Saturday's celebration. Hundreds of Gunlocke employees, their families and other guests enjoyed food, music, games, prizes and plant tours. Maybe the most popular activity was a chance to sit in the recently Re-upholstered "Big Chair." Everyone was given a turn to take a seat in the oversized chair. A photographer was on hand to snap a photo.
Gunlocke was founded in 1902 by William H. Gunlocke and it originally specialized in chair-making. Today the company has 800 employees, most of them working in Wayland. According to the company web site, Gunlocke manufactures "fine wood furniture for some of the world’s most demanding clients."
A message from Cuomo was read by Dave Seeley, a representative for the governor. In the written remarks, Cuomo called Gunlocke one of the "pillars of the state" and he saluted the company for its "commitment" to the region and to making outstanding products.
"If there is one word that describes Gunlocke it's 'quality,'" said Cynthia Oswald, president of the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Oswald presented an award to company president Don Mead. The chamber president predicted "110 more years" of success for the company.
