Emeco: An American Original
29/09/24
This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Emeco, an iconic American furniture manufacturer that first made its mark during World War II.
It wasn't about style.
Torpedo Proof
Commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944, Emeco was tasked with designing and manufacturing a chair that could withstand the harsh conditions of naval life. This led to to the birth of their flagship product—the 1006 Navy chair—a true American classic. The Navy chair was designed to endure the corrosive effects of saltwater, salt air, and even the occasional torpedo blast—truly embodying the term “torpedo proof.” For those who might doubt the chair's nearly indestructible nature, its 150-year warranty speaks volumes.
From Gun Boats to Martini Bars
Today, the Navy chair has found a new life as a sought-after design piece, gracing chic cocktail bars, trendy restaurants, and stylish homes more so than warships. It also makes frequent appearances in film and television, adding a touch of history and authenticity. After all, an original Navy chair carries a story with it.
Same, but different.
Not much has changed since Emeco made its debut in 1944. Their skilled craftsmen still transform scrap aluminum into chairs built to last a lifetime, following the same meticulous 77-step process that turns soft, recycled aluminum into something remarkably strong. And they still do it all by hand, in the same factory, in the same town of Hanover, Pennsylvania, where it all began.
Emeco’s craftsmen take immense pride in their history, honoring the traditions that shaped their legacy, defined by an unwavering commitment to exceptional, sustainable quality. However, this doesn’t mean they haven’t evolved.
Begin with what's left over. Turn it into what will last.
Since the turn of the century, Emeco has partnered with prolific designers like Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, and Ettore Sottsass, to name a few. They’ve also collaborated with major companies like Coca-Cola, transforming consumer waste into a sustainable and timeless creation—the 111 Navy chair—made from 111 recycled plastic bottles. These partnerships have not only expanded the brand's product offerings but also helped to unlock its full potential.
Through these creative collaborations, Emeco has broadened its sustainable materials repertoire, evolving beyond recycled aluminum to include innovative options like recycled PET from plastic bottles, ethically sourced and reclaimed wood, recycled wood-filled polypropylene, as well as reclaimed cork.
Because when it comes to the betterment of our planet, materials matter.
80 years, and counting.
This year, Emeco celebrated eighty years since they first began crafting chairs for the US Navy—a journey that’s taken them to places they never could have imagined, like Triennale Milano.
During Milan Design Week, Emeco was proudly showcased at Triennale Milano. The exhibition, “Emeco to Emeco,” designed by Jasper Morrison, highlighted the transformative power of design. It traced the manufacturers humble roots, their journey, craftsmanship, and the iconic designs that have shaped who they are today.
