Sustainable and Made in the USA: Why It Matters in Hospitality Furniture

In hospitality, how a space is built matters, but so does how it’s furnished. Today’s designers and project managers are making choices that go beyond aesthetics. They’re asking: Where was this made? What’s it made from? How long will it last?

At Fortner, we’ve spent nearly a century crafting commercial furniture that’s as thoughtful as it is durable. We build everything in Columbus, Ohio, and we work with design and development teams who care about sustainability, quality, and consistency.

Here’s why local manufacturing and sustainable choices are changing the game for hospitality furniture—and how we’re helping our partners stay ahead of the curve.

Why Sustainability Isn’t Just a Buzzword Anymore

Environmental responsibility is no longer a “nice to have.” Guests, investors, and even procurement teams are paying more attention to how projects are sourced and built.

Hospitality brands are looking for:

• Materials with low environmental impact

• Vendors who prioritize longevity over landfill

• Design choices that align with green building standards

At Fortner, we help teams select commercial-grade materials that meet sustainability standards—without compromising style or performance. And because we build each piece to order, there’s no excess waste or overproduction.

Fortner | Columbus, Ohio

The Benefits of U.S.-Based Manufacturing

Working with domestic manufacturers like Fortner has major advantages for hospitality projects:

• Faster, more reliable lead times

• More control over quality and design changes

• Less risk from overseas shipping or tariffs

• Easier collaboration between designers, builders, and fabricators

• Supports local jobs and small-batch craftsmanship

Because we build in Columbus, Ohio, our clients know exactly where their furniture is coming from and who’s behind it. That trust matters, especially when you're working on tight timelines or installing in multiple phases.

A Better Story for Your Clients and Guests

When you choose partners who build responsibly, you get more than a finished product - you get a story worth telling.

Designers and hospitality brands are finding value in:

• Choosing upholstery and foam with recycled or low-VOC materials

• Highlighting local craftsmanship as part of the guest experience

• Designing furniture that can be reupholstered or refreshed instead of replaced

Your furniture doesn't just fill a room. It becomes part of the story your guests experience and your team can feel proud of the choices behind it.

Fortner’s Commitment to Sustainability and Longevity

For over 90 years, we’ve built commercial furniture that’s made to last. And in the process, we’ve kept sustainability at the core of what we do.

Here’s how:

• Built-to-order production, minimizing waste

• Reupholstery services to extend product life

• VOC-free glues and sustainable foam options

• FSC-certified materials available upon request

• Local partnerships for fabric, foam, and finish sourcing

• Every piece built in Columbus, Ohio by our experienced team

Whether you're specifying booths for a boutique hotel, lounge seating for student housing, or custom pieces for a flagship concept—Fortner helps you build better without compromise.

At Fortner, we specialize in hospitality reupholstery, offering customizable solutions tailored to your brand and design needs. Based in Columbus, OH, we proudly serve clients throughout Ohio and beyond.

Contact us today to refresh your space.