CE International
In 1965, Vince Lombardi, the legendary American Football coach said, “perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” CE stands for this ‘catching excellence’, to honor and be inspired by Lombardi’s character and mindset.
CE International is a respected British furniture merchant that is already known to the commercial market under the brand Roger Lewis. Headquartered in Somerset, England, CE International is centered around its production facilities specializing in manufacturing upholstered and joinery products.
Currently the largest part of the group’s business is making bespoke products for large volume commercial projects, across workplace, hospitality and residential urban living projects. The team works with dealers, procurement professionals and project managers who specify furniture for these commercial projects.
What sets CE International apart is a proven track record looking after satisfied clients, investment in the culture and next generation, and a long-term focus on a circular sustainable future.
History
Back in the 1970s, the designer Roger Lewis fell in love with contemporary design under the mentorship of Sir Terence Conran before starting his own design and manufacturing house from his home in Bath.
The Roger Lewis Furniture Company was started in 1988 and underpinned by long term relationships with British retailers such as John Lewis, Heals and The Conran Shop, it grew to become a respected British retail manufacturer.
In 2013, Roger retired to be superseded by the now owner Marc Richard who saw the future of the business in the commercial market.
Today the business manufactures its products in a new best-in-class manufacturing facility in Frome, Somerset, supported by a global supply chain.
Capabilities & Culture
Today the business puts a relentless desire to develop its people at the heart of everything it does. Apprenticeship programmes, cross skilling and internal opportunities drive the growth, engagement and development of the business.
On a visit to the factory, you will see the investment in people starts with investment in the environment. There is no barriers and no hierarchy. No VIP areas, no pomp and circumstance and no pretentions.
- Communication and clarity
- Deep care for our exceptional individuals
- Discipline to be the best across every area of our lives
- Joy for the journey of our lives
- No shortcuts. Embrace the grind
Partnership with The Conran Shop
Founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1973, The Conran Shop has established itself as one of the world’s leading lifestyle retailers, curating how we live today. As the home of iconic designs and future classics, The Conran Shop offers an eclectic, hand-selected edit of furniture, lighting, and home accessories, championing the most respected designers and emerging talents, with prime retail locations across London, Paris, Japan, and South Korea.
2023 sees The Conran Shop celebrate 50 years at the forefront of British design. As The Coran Shop looks forward to the next half century, the focus is on revolutionising the business for the coming decades, centring around the mission statement to be ‘the home of considered design and curated living’.
As part of this revolution comes the partnership with CE International. From May 2023, CE International now exclusively distributes The Conran Shop’s in-house designs to the UK commercial market. The offering includes countless seating, table, cabinetry, sleep, lighting, and outdoor furniture designs that make up The Conran Shop’s considered contemporary edit which can be found here