Brooklands barstools? Bentley craftsmen making furniture in downtime

Due to the necessary production cuts at Bentley's main factory in Crewe, England, skilled workers for the British automaker have found a new niche to keep them busy, and it has nothing to do with cars. Apparently, 140 of Bentley's best woodworkers are making cabinets, tables, and other pieces of furniture to refit the factory's reception area, showroom and museum. So far, the team is turning out products that are being used solely by the automaker, but that's likely to change in the near future.

These actions are necessary if the automaker has any hope of holding on to its most valuable team members, some of whom have been in the woodworking shop for over forty years. Custom pieces have been designed by Bentley's engineering team, and, according to Bentley board member Stuart McCullogh, "There are very few other furniture makers who could match our level of veneer." Having witnessed the work of its skilled craftsmen firsthand, we don't doubt it.

[Source: Telegraph]