Date: February 15, 2024
Location: Featherlite Collections, Choice Apartment, Opp Ruby Hall Clinic, Balkrishna Sakharam Dhole Patil Rd, Sangamvadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Purpose: Industry Visit for Interior Design Students of BAID and MAID
Course: Design Studio I and Furniture Design
Department: Interior Spaces
Faculty Guides: Prof. Ateka Nulwala, Dr. Shraddha Jadhav, Prof. Apurva Thosar and
Prof. Amruta Gangakhedkar
Introduction:
The Department of Interior Spaces is delighted to share the success of the Industrial Visit to Featherlite Collections, which took place on 15th February 2024. This visit provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the renowned Featherlite brand and gain insights into its innovative furniture manufacturing processes. Featherlite, a pioneer in the furniture industry, has become synonymous with intelligent, well-designed furniture desired by consumers, enterprises, and corporates across sectors and industries. Founded in 1965 by Gopal Ramnarayan, Featherlite soon emerged as an industry leader in furniture manufacturing, with a commitment to sustainable practices.
Highlights:
- Guided Tour: Upon arrival, students were greeted by the Featherlite team and embarked on a guided tour of the facility. They explored the sprawling 5,00,000 square feet factory, witnessing firsthand the intricate processes involved in furniture manufacturing.
- Sustainable Manufacturing: Students learned about Featherlite's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and becoming carbon negative. The company's 100% solar-powered factory and Zero Waste endeavor were particularly enlightening.
- Customized Solutions: Featherlite's expertise in providing cost-effective, customized space and furniture solutions for various sectors was showcased during the visit. Students gained insights into the process of executing major multi-location projects while prioritizing customer requirements and sustainability.
Activities:
During the Industrial Visit to Featherlite Collections, students were immersed in a world of innovation and sustainability within the furniture manufacturing industry. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the Featherlite team and guided through the expansive factory premises. As they traversed through the facility, students witnessed firsthand the intricate processes involved in crafting intelligent and well-designed furniture. Engaging with industry professionals, students gained insights into Featherlite's commitment to sustainable manufacturing, exemplified by their 100% solar-powered factory and Zero Waste endeavor. The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to learn about Featherlite's customized space and furniture solutions, executed with a meticulous focus on customer requirements, aesthetics, ergonomics, and sustainability-first values. Through interactive discussions and guided tours, students expanded their knowledge of innovative design practices and emerged with a deeper appreciation for the fusion of creativity and sustainability in the furniture industry.
Key Learnings:
- Innovative Practices: Students gained valuable insights into Featherlite's innovative design and manufacturing processes, enhancing their understanding of the furniture industry's dynamics.
- Sustainability Focus: The visit underscored the importance of sustainability in modern manufacturing practices, inspiring students to incorporate eco-friendly principles into their future design projects.
- Industry Exposure: Interacting with industry professionals at Featherlite provided students with invaluable networking opportunities and practical knowledge that complemented their academic learning.
