The Taylor Companies

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The Taylor Companies was a private American furniture maker that included The Taylor Chair Company and The Taylor Desk Company. It specialized in upholstered wood office seating and wood casegoods, with its main plant and headquarters in Bedford, Ohio, and a second plant in Lynwood, California. The company often claims to be the oldest privately held furniture manufacturer in the United States.

The business began in 1816 when Benjamin Fitch started making split-bottom chairs in Bedford. William O. Taylor later joined, eventually taking over management, and the firm became known as W. O. Taylor and Son. In 1885 it was incorporated as The Taylor Chair Company. In 1913 the company began designing office furniture and later supplied furniture for military offices during the World Wars. The Taylor Company expanded through the mid-20th century, adding chairs, sofas, and tables for professional interior designers.

On June 8, 2012, Taylor announced it would close, with the last day of regular operation on June 15, 2012. Some parts of the plant stayed open to finish orders, and equipment was auctioned later that year. The company’s archives were split between local historical groups.

Taylor pursued sustainability. In 2006 it moved to a renovated brownfield site in Bedford, creating the Tinker's Creek Commerce Park. The company reduced overall energy, gas, and water use by about 59% and diverted 90% of Bedford factory waste from landfills through recycling and other programs, while the Lynwood factory diverted about 60% of its waste. It saved money through waste reduction and energy conservation. In 2010, Taylor became the first furniture manufacturer member of The Climate Registry. The company received various sustainability recognitions.

In September 2012, Gasser Chair Co. acquired Taylor’s intellectual property, brand name, and customer list, allowing Gasser Chair to expand into office seating under the Taylor brand.