Vetigraph Powers The Hastings Sofa Company as UK Furniture Industry Sees Rising Demand for Quality and Value
When The Hastings Sofa Company realised it needed to modernise its production methods, the firm did not compromise on what its customers care about most: quality, craftsmanship, and value. The company has teamed up with Vetigraph to bring state-of-the-art technology into its manufacturing process.
Hastings Sofa: Premium Quality Without the Wait
Based in Hastings, The Hastings Sofa Company specialises in premium quality sofas and upholstery, offering both bespoke pieces and white label furniture for retailers who demand high standards.
Until recently, much of the work pattern making, cutting fabric was done by hand. While this kept the craftsmanship level high, it also led to slower production times, higher material waste, and inconsistency in finishes. Scaling up to meet larger orders or tight delivery schedules was becoming harder.
Vetigraph’s Role: Precision Meets Efficiency
To solve these issues, Hastings brought in Vetigraph: a UK leader in CAD/CAM software and CNC fabric cutting machines. These tools allow designs to be digitised, patterns made in software, and fabric to be cut automatically with high precision. The result is that cuts are cleaner, shapes more accurate, fabric usage is optimised, and waste is reduced.
Operations director Marc Gall describes the adoption as relatively smooth, crediting strong support and training. The transformation now makes it possible for Hastings to take on more complex bespoke and white-label orders, even under tighter deadlines, without sacrificing quality.
Wider Trends & Alternatives for Value-Minded Buyers
The Hastings Sofa Company’s shift reflects a broader movement in the UK furniture market: customers want quality sofas that last, but they also want value and speed. Those wanting three piece suites or full lounge sets often look to outlets and clearance stores for better deals without giving up comfort or craftsmanship.
Some of the relevant players and trends in Lancashire / Greater Manchester / North West:
• Worthington Brougham Furniture in Lancashire offers discount sofas and suites, with quality reductions on high street models. It is one of the original outlets in the region to combine quality and value.
• Alec’s 3 Piece Suites, based near Bolton, is known for its wide range of three piece suites (sofa plus two chairs or matching pieces), many of which are ex-display, surplus stock, cancelled orders. That means that shoppers can pick up top branded pieces at much lower prices, often with same day or next-day delivery.
• Heatons Furniture Outlet in Manchester provides big brand sofas, beds, mattresses at outlet prices savings up to 70 percent are advertised and has a large showroom where people can try pieces in person.
These outlets cater to people who want something well made, comfortable, stylish, and durable but without waiting months or paying full price. Three piece suites are especially popular, since they offer matching sets of furniture that make a living room look together more quickly.
What Shoppers Should Look For
If you are in the market for a quality sofa, value sofa, or full three piece suite, here are some tips inspired by what Hastings and outlets do well:
1. Try before you buy. Feel of cushions, firmness, support, see how fabric reacts to pressure or creasing.
2. Check build quality. Frame materials, joinery, type of springing or support in seat, quality of foam or filling.
3. Look at fabric / leather. How durable it is, whether cleaning / stain protection is possible, how colours hold up.
4. Measure carefully. Especially for three piece suites, think about doorways, halls, staircases. Can parts be separated or delivered in sections.
5. Understand discounts. Ex-display, cancelled orders, surplus or clearance stock can be great value but inspect for any minor flaws.
6. After sales and delivery. Does the retailer provide delivery, removal of old furniture, warranty / repair services?
Why Hastings Move Matters
Hastings’ investment with Vetigraph means that high quality and bespoke design are not held back by slow, laborious processes. It shows how combining craftsmanship with modern technology can keep UK furniture makers competitive: better consistency, less waste, and ability to offer value even in premium segment.
For people shopping in Lancashire, Manchester or across the North West, this means the market will likely see more premium furniture at fairer prices as other manufacturers follow similar paths. Outlets already provide good value; as these production efficiencies grow, even more options may become available.
