Telescope Casual Furniture

Manufacturer of the Year Finalist 2025

telescope_casual_2018 Granville, New York
 www.telescopecasual.com

 

 

Founded in 1903, the Telescope Cot Bed & Novelty Company began its journey in Midtown Manhattan, New York. In its early years, the company operated both a manufacturing facility in Manhattan and sawmills in Pennsylvania. In 1921, seeking greater opportunity and space to grow, Telescope relocated to the scenic countryside of Granville, New York. The move provided access to abundant woodlands, a dedicated workforce, and essential railroad connections to support an expanding operation.

By 1932, Telescope had moved its sales and administration offices from New York City to Granville, uniting the entire company under one roof. This marked the beginning of a transformation that would eventually position Telescope as a leader in the casual furniture industry.

Over the decades, Telescope has evolved alongside its expanding product line. The Granville facility has grown to nearly one million square feet and has been continually upgraded to support advancements in research, development, engineering, and proprietary manufacturing processes. A commitment to self-sufficiency has allowed Telescope to remain agile, responsive, and competitive—delivering high-quality products with speed and innovation.

Today, over 275 employees work side-by-side with the Vanderminden family, who have owned and operated the business for over 122 years. Currently led by Kathy Juckett, a fourth-generation family member, Telescope remains a proudly independent, family-run company now stewarded by both the fourth and fifth generations.

Telescope’s long-standing success is driven by the exceptional talent and dedication of its workforce—skilled craftsmen and craftswomen who take immense pride in their work—as well as a passionate sales force committed to exceeding customer expectations.

The company’s core values are rooted in five pillars: Quality, Design, Comfort, Selection, and Fast/Consistent Delivery. Delivering all five is no small feat, but at Telescope, these standards are non-negotiable.

In recent years, the company has embraced Lean Manufacturing principles, allowing it to continuously improve processes, quickly identify issues, and address problems at their source. These efforts have not gone unnoticed—Telescope was honored as ICFA’s 2022 Manufacturer of the Year, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

Telescope is proud of its reputation for having the industry’s best customer service, fastest delivery, and highest-quality products. Every member of the team works tirelessly to prove that reputation is not only earned, but well-deserved.