Care and Craftsmanship

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

molmic // CARE AND CRAFTsMANSHIP

3.

Heritage

4.

Handmade

5.

Design

6.

Quality

7.

Comfort

8.

Materials

9.

Construction

10.

Awards

11.

Manufacturing process

17.

Service

18.

Environment

19.

Care

23.

Contact

“ We would only produce something that we would have in our own home ”

Michael McMahon, Founder

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Heritage

Now into its third decade, Molmic Furniture is as much about family as it is furniture.

“Furniture making is a hand-me-down art-form. The artisans of the past have given us a great deal and it is our job to pass on this discipline, in all its quality and beauty, to the next generation.”

Molly McMahon, Founder

Dedicated craftspeople at work.

The Molmic family extends beyond our children, Anna, Anthony and Alex, who will carry the business into future generations. It embraces the talented, loyal and dedicated craftspeople who have been on the journey as part of the team since our first day in business.

Our values are inspired by and founded on family life – we cherish moments of energy, lives of passion and generations of trust.

Our designs, craftsmanship and care are founded on the purpose of what we make – furniture that assumes an integral place in people’s lives.

Not only must Molmic pieces serve a functional purpose, we endeavour to give them a life of their own.

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Handmade “In an age of mass production and disposable goods we pride ourselves on making furniture that is handmade and a perfect fit to your environment.”

Alex Paterra, son, Production and Operations

The craft in handmade furniture is not always visible, or obvious to the eye.

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Rather than letting a machine control the process – handmade allows the head and hands, skill and interpretation to come together. And this drives everything we do.

A lot of the craft in handmade furniture is not visible, not obvious to the eye. But it is embedded in the structure and our customers know that this translates to quality.

“It’s hard to see it all from the outside, but the care that goes into the design, materials and crafting of each piece is what makes our couches so durable and comfortable as well as looking great.” Molly McMahon, Founder We use equipment when the precision will improve the product, but our emphasis is always on individual attention to each process and each piece.

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DESIGN

It has been our family’s passion to create furniture of unparalleled comfort and quality.

“We want your experience to be full of colours and textures to choose from; to create the right design expression as well as meet your functional needs.” Anna McRae, daughter & Creative Director

We have full control over every aspect of the design process and we use that control to make sure our furniture is lovingly crafted, as gorgeous as it can be and flawless in its technical function.

Molmic designs are conceived, produced and manufactured locally, working exclusively with the best timber and upholstery craftspeople in Australia.

Our ideas and design executions span styles from classical to contemporary, vintage to modern. Whatever the style, all the pieces maintain design flexibility to ensure we can respond to customer preferences and design trends.

The Molmic range includes hundreds of designs, with collections that bring together beautiful fabrics in the latest colours and textures. Our furniture is complemented by a selection of home accents such as cushions and ottomans.

Molmic has formed a partnership with the acclaimed Tetrad UK to share design expertise, bringing the synthesis of a team of global designers to Australia in the form of the exclusive Tetrad range.

For each customer and every opportunity, Molmic is about creating a perfect match – symmetry among our products and the best, often custom solution for our customers.

Fabric swatches with the latest colours and design direction.

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Quality “My clients have received their lounge suite and we wish to let you know we are both very happy with the results. It looks fabulous, beautiful quality and workmanship, many thanks for your assistance. It has been a pleasure working with you.�

Clare Callinan, Interior Decorator Uncompromising quality is ingrained in our culture, our processes and in every Molmic product.

An emphasis on quality is what we are known for and it flows through our veins; from the early concept designs right through to responding to customer requests promptly and positively.

The production journey sees the same craftspeople consulted before fabric marking, discuss the frame-building and collaborate at the Lectra machine. They share the adventure as the fabrics take the shape of a pattern, methodically ensuring each piece is labelled to avoid dye lot variations.

Timber shop includes our own timber staining workshop, allowing Molmic to apply our latest standard stains or custom matching.

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Everyone in the team takes pride in the strength of Molmic frames, as our experts use mortise and tenon joints and place hardwood blocks in any stress areas and the corners.

Remaining just as involved throughout the sewing and pre-upholstery phases, the Molmic approach means the same team continues to work together through to upholstery and final despatch, ensuring total product consistency and individuality. While we use the latest cutting and design technology, it is always and only applied without compromising design integrity and quality.

We believe quality is a result of people who are clear about their purpose, who are involved in decisions and who care about the end result.

We are proud of our team and ruthless about quality.

From the felt and the feathers to the timbers and the springs, all the componentry is hand-picked. For each design in every range, the individual components are chosen on the basis of specific attributes.

Molmic is reputed as a leader in the Australian furniture industry and our skills with fabric and leather upholstered furniture have been collected in earnest. Our craftspeople understand and use the best raw materials and apply stringent quality control processes.

We are members of FIAA and use AFARDI tested leathers in our manufacturing.

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Comfort “This couch is my single favourite purchase in recent months and I look forward to stoking our fireplace and relaxing on my couch in Canberra’s cold winter months.”

Steve, recent customer

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For different people, a couch is variously a holder of great promise, a source of relaxation, a vault of fond memories.

But ultimately, our customers tell us it’s the place they want to ‘collapse at the end of the day’.

That says a couch is about comfort. Simple. Yet, to create simplicity often takes enormous effort and painstaking attention to detail.

At Molmic we are intimately connected with suspension systems, lumbar support and ergonomic design. We know our foams, fibres and cushions like they are old friends. Actually they are part of the family.

Our couches are the ultimate in comfort and durability because we make sure to understand what is important to each individual customer and how each component material behaves.

Comfort is a very personal issue and Molmic takes a very personal approach. We make sure our furniture fits our customers – quite literally.

That means crafting the right height and depth so your head is well rested and your feet can touch the floor. If that’s what you want of course.

Our cushioning and fabrication department allows us to custom tailor our comfort and function for each design.

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Materials “We take no short cuts to quality and our customers expect pieces that are not only designed to suit their lifestyle, but are top quality in materials and craftsmanship.”

Anthony Paterra, son & Head of Development

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For each design in every range, the individual components are chosen on the basis of quality.

Our pedigree is founded on quality, tenacity and pride and we apply these characteristics in our search for materials.

That means we understand what gives a cushion its ‘lived in’ appearance and appreciate which cushion materials will lose density over time.

Springs, frames, timber stains, leather, fabrics, legs and bases – it is our business to know the options and choose the best.

As a business, we are on a continuous campaign to perfect our people, products and processes and our materials are integral to all three. As a team, we make it a habit to ask, to listen, to read and understand so that we continue to improve our knowledge and expertise.

Our people are always on the lookout for the best, most appropriate and highest grade materials. We recognise that our final products depend on the choices made along the way. As Charles Eames said, ‘The details are not just the details, they make the product.”

So it is natural that Molmic uses hardwood in stress areas, steel sprung suspension and overlays to prolong the life of the foam. Not only do these materials contribute to the comfort but they also increase durability.

Timber workshop, docking and machining, environmentallyfriendly, interlocking joints.

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CONSTRUCTION “While it might be less efficient to do so, we have one person in charge of each part of the manufacturing process to ensure consistency and personal ownership of quality throughout the whole process.” Molly McMahon, Founder

Precision pattern marking and cutting.

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Renown for manufacturing excellence, Molmic’s process is informed by Molly and subsequently the family’s constant search for manufacturing best practice. Molmic has a strong belief that manufacturing excellence is the fine art of perfecting your people, products and processes.

And Molmic is on a continuous campaign to do just that.

The well-refined manufacturing process is a blend of time-honoured craftsmanship and cutting edge technology, balanced and led by an absolute commitment to quality.

There are detail and quality checks at all parts of the manufacturing process, with particular attention to dispatch and packing as this is often where damage can occur.

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AWARDS

/ 2002 FIAA Manufacturer of the Year—highly commended

In recognition of Molmic’s place as an industry leader in Australian furniture manufacturing they have achieved many awards for both design and manufacture.

/ 2001 Anthony Paterra awarded Craftsmanship Award in Soft Furnishing

/ 2008 Australian Furniture Industry Excellence Award for the design and manufacture of a new upholstered product / 2008 Lounge manufacturer of the year / 2008 Australian Furniture Industry excellence in design and manufacturing of a new furniture product upholstered in fabric / 2004 Design Award for Best Product Design in Furniture / 2003 Design Award for Design Excellence in Leather / 2003 FIAA Manufacturer of the year award / 2002 FIAA award for most marketable product

/ 2001 Furniture Outstanding Service award / 2001 Furniture Supplier of the Year award / 2001 Furniture Achievement award for Distribution Centres best performing supplier / 2001 FIAA Exporter of the Year award / 1998 and 1999 Australian Furniture Industry New Product Parade for excellence in design and manufacturing of a new furniture product upholstered in fabric / In 1998 Molmic employee Mahmoud Elakkoumi was awarded the Reginald Muir Memorial overseas scholarship at Molmic. / In 1997, Molly McMahon was awarded the inaugural Reginald Muir overseas scholarship, by the Furniture Industry Association of Australia. Molly visited and studied with leading upholstery manufacturers throughout Europe and America. Through this scholarship Molly has gained invaluable information that she has been able to pass on to the Furniture Association and employees through training at Molmic.

Furniture that assumes an integral place in people’s lives.

Furniture you can grow with.

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Manufacturing process

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Molmic Furniture Production Journey Flow

Fabric Marking

Using very established systems and processes, the product creation journey is described in the diagram to the right.

Timber Shop

Fabric Cutting

Frame assembly Sewing

Fabrication

Upholstery

Dispatch

Our production team communicating daily, perfecting our people, product and processes.

Pre-Upholstery

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Manufacturing process “Uniquely, Molmic bundles the cut pieces for each couch together, allowing a single machinist to care for a piece from beginning to end. This not only gives the machinists ownership of each piece, it controls for potential die lot variation.” Anthony Paterra, son & Head of Devlopment Fabric marking As the first stage in manufacture, this step of the process informs all subsequent stages and so is done with extreme care. Material is laid out upon broad cutting tables and carefully checked for flaws and defects. Once the materials are cleared and smoothed, it is decided how the material must be cut, allowing each unique fabric to be expressed in synergy with the furniture style it will be applied to.

Fabric will be either machine or hand cut, according to the complexity and volumes required.

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It is the materials that are to be hand-cut that then have each pattern carefully marked upon the material using traditional tailor’s chalk.

Fabric cutting Once the fabric is marked and laid out, it will either be hand cut or machine cut.

Hand-cutting is done using razor-sharp tailor’s shears.

For material that is to be machine-cut, it is laid out on the Lectra Cutting Machine with careful consideration as to the style and patterns of the fabric to be cut. The cutting is controlled using specialised cutting software which maps out the pattern. The Lectra enables precision cutting and efficient use of materials.

Uniquely, Molmic then bundles the material for each couch together, allowing a single machinist to care for a piece from beginning to end. This not only gives the machinists ownership of each piece, it controls for potential die lot variation.

Lectra cutting machine Careful consideration of fabric pattern repeats to ensure the correct application.

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Manufacturing process Details such as overlocking of seams are essential, echoing a remnant of Molmic’s heritage and Molly’s original craft.

Highly trained machinists work side by side, each machinist cares for a piece from beginning to end.

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Sewing All of Molmic’s sewing is done in-house to enable complete quality control to Molmic’s strict standards. Informed by Molly’s original profession as a dress-maker, this is an area of particular care for Molmic as they know it is essential to the longevity and appearance of each couch.

Details such as overlocking of seams are essential, and perhaps a remnant of Molmic’s heritage and Molly’s original craft.

A select group of highly trained machinists work side by side, with old hands fostering younger in the skill and values embedded from many years at Molmic.

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Manufacturing process

Timber Shop The timber shop is where timber is received, quality checked and formed into the frames that are the foundation for each piece of furniture.

Pieces are precision cut using the K10 Cutting machine and then formed into frames by hand.

Frames

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2/ 1/ Cutting of frame 2/ Frame construction 3/ Frame completed

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Frames form the ‘backbone’ of each piece, so they are constructed in-house and much thought is given to the stability and strength. As such, the number of joins is consciously minimised and traditional mortise and tenon joints, a tradition of craftsmanship that has existed for over 2000 years, are used where possible. They take more time and skill than many modern join techniques but are essential for a durable result.

All edges are rasped off to soften and shape the frame for comfort and endurance, allowing no sharp edges to cut into either materials or people using the couch.

Hardwoods are used at high-stress points in the frame to add additional durability and strength, ensuring that each couch can stand the rigours of home or commercial life.

It is this care and control of quality that enables Molmic to have a 10 year warranty on the frames for each and every couch.

Timber docking, all rails are measured and cut accurately.

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Manufacturing process

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2/

Pre-upholstery As a first stage in the upholstery, all edging is rasped off to minimise fabric strain. The frames are then “dressed� using a combination of Hessian, felt under-liner, polyflex and jute webbing. Springs are used to cover frames, help to prolong foam life and enhance the overall comfort. Foam overlays are then applied to achieve high resiliency and ultra treated to help with people suffering from allergies and asthma.

Fabrication The frames, cushioning and sewn pieces start to come together. Foam seating, back cushioning and foam overlays are assembled to suit the individual couch size and styling.

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4/

Pre-Upholstery 1/ Add jute webbing 2/ Foam overlay, arm filler, blue felt 3/ Overall frame assembly and Pre-Upholstery view 4/ No sag spring cell suspension, spring edge

Packaging and despatch, each cushion is filled by hand.

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Manufacturing process A profession requiring extreme skill, attention to detail and true craftsmanship, the upholstery stage is where the couch truly takes form.

Upholstery Our upholsterers are highly qualified, often having been with the business for many years.

They are true craftspeople with incredible attention to detail and real pride in the end pieces they know are destined to become a part of customers’ lives.

Upholsterers take the pieces created by the machinists and apply them to the pre-upholstered frame. A profession requiring extreme skill, attention to detail and true craftsmanship, the upholstery stage is where the couch truly takes form.

Despatch An area not often discussed, despatch is one of the most crucial areas in the manufacturing journey flow and is one of the most common areas for product damage.

Fabric Upholstery

Detailing

Qualified upholsterers, paying attention to detail.

The upholstery stage is where the couch truly takes form.

Molmic takes extra care in the packing and the transport providers used to make sure that each piece gets to its new owner as perfect as our craftspeople made it.

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SERVICE “Molmic staff really do give personal service. They really make an effort to ensure that a couch fits to each client’s needs. I was even able to speak to the person in production directly and resolve an issue.

The production person then personally followed up to ensure that the delivery happened!”

Liz Pryor, LP Pazazz, Interior Designer

The Molmic family.

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Customer surveys unveiled the truly personal service that customers, both commercial and home, have received from Molmic. Each person commented spontaneously on the exceptional personal service, flexibility and care that Molmic staff deliver.

I really appreciate you going the extra mile.”

Kathy McVey, KSM Style “Once again we thank you for your service, efficiency and fabulous customer service. It really has been a pleasure dealing with you all.”

Sharon, IDA Australia “I really appreciate all your help with this project, as always fast and so helpful!”

Claire Fedczyna, Accor Australia

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ENVIRONMENT Our values remind us of what kind of company and people we want to be. For the sake of future generations, it is our philosophy to care for our environment and create a business that is ultimately sustainable on all levels.

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Having one plant from which all Molmic products are created and despatched is critical to our policy of minimising our environmental impact through transport and shipping. We are fully Australian owned and manufacture all our furniture in this country, in the same location. At this and all of our locations, we are conscious to minimise waste, water and energy use.

It is also very important to us that our efforts towards reducing our environmental footprint extend beyond our doorstep. We make conscious choices with all of our raw materials, from fabrics and foam to metals and timbers. All of our timbers are sourced from sustainable plantations.

Partnering with local suppliers also means we can work towards environmentally friendly solutions around transport, timbers and waste management.

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CARE “We take pride in creating exceptionally durable, comfortable and personal furniture for our customers.

This care, is extended care for each piece once it becomes part of our customers’ homes and offices.”

Anna McRae, daughter & Creative Director

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Here are some simple tips to ensure you can continue to enjoy your Molmic couch for years to come.

General Care / Do not place in direct sunlight, too close to a heater or air conditioner as it may cause rapid fading or dry out leather / Never drag furniture along the floor – this can damage the legs / Rotate seat and back cushions regularly / Do not sit on the arms of your couches / Only use recommended care products / Vacuum weekly to avoid dirt and body moisture build up / Minor spills – quickly blot with absorbent towel or clean damp cloth before it is absorbed excessively / For tough stains consult a professional cleaning company

Past meets the present.

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CARE Molmic washable covers have a selection of fabrics that are specially pre-shrunk so they can be washed and dried in your regular machine at home.

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Fabric Care Always refer to the fabric care label that is provided before attempting to clean. Fabrics vary in composition, so cleaning instructions will vary depending on the fabric type. Our fabric warranties are covered by the fabric suppliers, not Molmic. / If a thread becomes loose DO NOT PULL IT simply cut it off. / Avoid sharp objects as this may snag threads (rings, belts etc) / We recommend that furniture with removable covers are cleaned while still on the couch to minimise shrinking / Molmic Washable covers – Molmic promotes a selection of fabrics that are specially pre-shrunk so they can be washed and dried in your regular machine at home.

If you own an Alicia or Zodiac here are some handy hints on washing your covers.

Wash at 60 degrees or dry clean. Wash dark colours separately. Tumble dry, Steam iron on reverse of fabric. Avoid washing powders/liquids that contain optical brighteners.

Fabrics, textures, colours, unlimited choices.

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CARE

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Leather Care / Use a leather conditioner to maintain the appearance and keep the leather soft and supple / Leather is a natural product so variations in colour and texture may occur. Scars scratches and grains are natural characteristics of leather / Removing spills use a soft damp cloth / Wipe over weekly with a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using detergents or other domestic cleaning agents on your leather couch Sofa Beds / Mattress should be rotated monthly / Do not move the couch while the bed is open as this may cause the mechanism to be pulled out of alignment / Don’t close the bed with any sheets/pillows/ blankets inside / Do not sit or stand on the head or foot of the bed

The majority of our couches can be produced in a fabric or leather of your choice.

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CARE “We would only produce something that we would have in our own home�

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Accessory range Lacquered and timber finishes / Clean with a soft clean cloth / Protect surface when placing hot items onto surface

Michael McMahon, Founder

/ Avoid spilling nail polish remover, solvent or alcohol as this may stain the surface

Cushions

Chrome and metal finishes / Dust surface regularly to prevent rust

Both feather and foam cushions benefit from regular care to ensure they keep their shape and feel. Here are some hints we recommend from our over 30 years in working with cushions.

Step 1/ Put the cushion on the narrow side. Push down on the centre of the cushion as far as you can. This allows for the air to get between the feathers or foam cells.

Step 2/ Rotate cushion 180 degrees and push down same as in previous step.

/ Avoid sharp or hard objects as this may cause scratches Glass / Use regular glass cleaner with a soft cloth / Protect surface when placing hot items onto surface / Avoid sharp or hard objects as this may cause scratches

Step 3/ Now that the air has been distributed throughout the cushion pat down the top and bottom to leave a perfect seat.

Note: It is also a good idea to rotate your seat and back cushions occasionally no matter what the insert. This is why the seat and back cushions are made reversible (fabric on both back and front) on most Molmic couches.

Seat and back cushions filled and ready to be placed on the completed product.

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Molmic Head Office & Showroom 37-39 Moore Road Airport West VIC 3042 T/ (03) 9335 2413 F/ (03) 9335 1623 E/ sales@molmic.com.au W/ www.molmic.com.au Hours/ Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm Toll free/ 1800 639 588 Docklands Studio 227 Harbour Esplanade Docklands VIC 3008 T/ (03) 8320 4323 F/ (03) 8320 4322 E/ studio@molmic.com.au W/ www.molmic.com.au Hours/ Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.00pm Sat 9.30am - 2.00pm Richmond Studio 422 Burnley Street Richmond VIC 3121 T/ (03) 9335 2413 F/ (03) 9335 1623 E/ sales@molmic.com.au W/ www.molmic.com.au To find out more, please visit www.molmic.com.au or call us on (03) 9335 2413.

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