History of Berkline Recliners

by: Michael O'Brien

When it comes to recliners there are many well-known brand names and even more individual manufacturers. As one brand has endured since nineteen twenty eight, the Berkline Company was founded by a New England craftsman, John Popkin in Springfield, Massachusetts. Not unlike other companies, Popkin established Berkline on a simple principle of providing consumers with quality furniture at a reasonable price. Berkline has indeed used product innovations and quality to establish and maintain a loyal customer following.

The history of motion furniture is replete with differing designs and styles. From the simple daybed to the modern recliner with integrated foot rests, massage features and plush upholstery, recliners have become a furniture staple. Despite a brief period of lagging popularity, recliners have never fallen out of style. Through the years, Berkline has continued to introduce features and methods of manufacturing. This high level of innovation has allowed the company to grow its market share even in the face of increased competition.

As the Berkline Company became more successful, Popkin moved the operation to Morristown, Tennessee in nineteen thirty seven. Still headquartered in Morristown, the company has continued to expand its operations. Berkline Canada operates out of Montreal and the company has production facilities in California.

Berkline has reportedly made a very serious investment in ecologically friendly production methods. Part of the company’s effort to go green includes the increased use of recycled materials. Berkline is said to have replaced petroleum-based foam rubber in many of its upholstered furniture pieces. The company has replaced traditional foam with a product called Foamex. Foamex is said to a combination of polyurethane and a soy based product that does not outgas like petroleum based foam rubber.

The process of outgassing releases volatile hydrocarbons and adds significantly to the problem of indoor air pollution. Since petroleum based foam rubber can outgas for many years it can pose significant health problems. According to Berkline, excess foam generated during production is no longer discarded but is instead reused. Berkline also reports that it has begun recycling packing materials such as plastic and cardboard and burns waste wood to generate heat in it production facilities.

When it comes to big man recliners, Berkline offers a line of recliners that are truly designed for comfort and durability. Many companies offer plus size recliners that often omit some popular recliner features like wall hugging. A true big man or plus size recliner should not only have a larger seating surface but should be built with an appropriately sturdy steel frame and specially designed spring support. Foam density is also important and should provide comfort combined with adequate support.

Berkline also offers a full line of massage recliners. Some massage recliners may offer just a single speed or concentrate on a fixed point. Berkline recliners offer consumers several options, not only in the type of massage action but also add heat. Fully programmable remote controls put the user in the drivers seat when it comes to getting the most from the Berkline massage recliner.

Though most traditional recliner designs feature an ottoman or footrest, there is often a gap between the front edge of the seat the footrest. Berkline recliner designers close the gap giving full leg support from seat to the ottoman. Combined with a life time warranty on the recliner mechanisms, wooden frames and even the spring systems, the unique design features of Berkline recliners provide consumers with tremendous value for the dollar.

For over seventy years, Berkline has striven to life up to John Popkins founding principle of giving people quality furniture at a reasonable and fair price.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is Staff Writer for HeavyDutyRecliners.com