KNYSNA BUSINESS NEWS - "South Africans are finally and belatedly waking up to the world-class manufacturing capability of the Western Cape cabinet making industry."
This is the opinion of Scotsman Torquil Mathewson, who recently moved to Knysna with his South African-born wife, Nadia, to purchase Kluyts Fine Furniture in Knysna.

"Solid wood furniture already has an established market at the high-end overseas and, here in South Africa I think people are beginning to realise that it is ridiculous to import foreign made furniture when the quality is not nearly as as good and the wood is not as interesting."

He cites the availability of indigenous rare-woods as one of his motivations for investing in Kluyts, as well as the unique part furniture making has played in Knysna’s history.
He believes that investing in Kluyts Fine Furniture, which has belonged to the Kluyt family for 48 years, is a good opportunity "precisely because it is made here in Knysna, by hand, by South Africans".
Mathewson compares the quality of furniture made in the Kluyts factory to the products of the best work of the Scottish cabinet makers.

Kluyts Fine Furniture will expand its product range to include the manufacturing of beautiful hardwood kitchens, bathroom cabinets and libraries and the Mathewson is excited about introducing sleeker and more contemporary styles. "As long as we can develop the furniture to be more modern, without losing its traditionally demanding craftmanship and appeal, we’ll do well."
Mathewson expressed some relief that Theo Kluyt, who has 20 years of experience to draw upon, agreed to remain onboard to help build the business.

It is Mathewson’s goal that Kluyts with its rich heritage will, with an injection of foreign investment, soon start sending master quality furniture to the far corners of the globe.
Visit Kluyts Fine Furniture showroom at 18 Grey Street Knysna. Contact the shop at 0443826343 or via e-mail at kluyts@mweb.co.za

For a glimpse of what Kluyts Fine Furniture offers, visit its website at www.kluyts.com