Dec 7 2009
Dunkirk, NY-headquartered Chautauqua Woods, a manufacturer of high-quality doors and entryways, reports sales of its high-end products continue to grow despite a soft national economy.
"We have several target markets that demand excellence and we provide it," says company principal Bia Khan. "Our entryways are in the homes of entertainers, professional athletes, and others who are building or remodeling very nice homes."
Chautauqua Woods also provides custom-made entryways for universities, religious facilities, hotels, restaurants, museums and government buildings.
The company recently developed a line of ballistic and sound proof doors that has caught the attention of architects who design and write the specifications for federal, state and local court buildings being built or remodeled, and other customers who want both high-quality appearance and maximum security.
Khan said, "The entryways have all the appearances and craftsmanship appropriate to these beautiful projects, and they also provide safety to those inside the doors."
A recent visitor at the company's manufacturing plant saw firsthand the test results of the new product line.
"There were bullet holes from various high-powered handguns on the outside of the doors, but no evidence whatsoever on the inside," said the person, who did not want to be identified. He said the bullets could not penetrate the material installed in the interior of the doors. "The doors are beautiful. No one would know they are bullet-proof. I was really impressed."
Appropriate to its Chautauqua name, the company produced the entryways and doors for the recently constructed Jewish Life Center at the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution on Chautauqua Lake.
"We were so proud to provide the entryways for a wonderful new building right here in our own community," Khan said. "It will showcase our products for years to come."
She said the company "maintains the time-honored Chautauqua woodworking tradition of master craftsmanship. Our entryways offer the richness of furniture-grade hardwoods, hand-rubbed finishes and the exacting detail that customers demand."
Most of the company's sales, Khan explained, come as a result of being specified by contractors, developers and architects for new build or remodeling projects.
Those who "spec" the construction projects are key to the company's continued growth, she said. "They know our capabilities and they know we will deliver a high-quality product, on-time and on-budget."
Chautauqua Woods, www.cwdoors.us, has complete in-house design and engineering services, and can meet international demand through its ability to convert English dimensions into metric units and transmit drawings electronically anywhere in the world.
The company has artisans who work with a variety of glass textures and styles for doors, entryways and transoms, and can produce wood stains to meet any design requirements.
Khan said. "Our commitment is to create the most elegant and enduring hardwood doors and entryways available."