Worker handling wood on conveyor in a bright factory setting.

The Global Upholstery Solutions Story

Global Upholstery Solutions: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation

Global Upholstery Solutions is a British manufacturing company with a unique and distinguished heritage. Formed through a strategic merger and rebrand, we work in close partnership with 3D Ply—both proudly acquired by our longstanding customer, Stannah, a family-owned business with an impressive legacy spanning nearly 160 years.

As a valued member of the Stannah Group, we offer an end-to-end solution for furniture production, specializing in upholstery and precision-formed wood. Our state-of-the-art facilities continue to grow, now home to over 100 skilled team members. We take immense pride in our workforce, including dedicated colleagues who have been with us for over 30 years. Their expertise and commitment ensure that the craftsmanship and quality we are known for remain at the heart of everything we do.

At Global Upholstery Solutions, we don’t just manufacture furniture—we uphold a tradition of excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship that defines our industry.

Joseph Stannah. Founder of the Stannah business in 1867

Our history

An insight into the events evolving the business that we are today

1867

The Stannah family business was founded in London by Joseph Stannah, the son of Solomon and Elizabeth Stannah

1940s

Leslie, the Grandson of Joseph took to rebuild the business after the Stannah factory was destroyed in WWII

1974

In the hands of Leslie’s sons Brian and Alan, the business relocated to a new factory in Andover to support expansion

1978

David Emmett Upholstery, later renamed as Mobility Seating was established in Whitchurch, supplying many upholstered stairlift parts to Stannah

1980s

In the late 80s the Stannah business was handed over to Brian’s, and Alan’s children. Jon, Patrick, Nick, Alastair and Helen known as 5G (fifth generation)

1991

Plyform Products was founded in Westbury, Wiltshire. Specialising in curved wood manufacture. (Later to be renamed as 3D Ply, and relocated to Milbourne St Andrew, Dorset)

2016

Stannah purchased the Mobility Seating business assets and employment contracts under the new business Global Upholstery Solutions

2022

Following retirement, Stannah also purchased 3Dply to work alongside Global Upholstery Solutions, and to ensure a strong supply chain

2026

The official merge of Global Upholstery and 3D Ply

Our values have paved the way for Global Upholstery Solutions to be a respected employer, loyal customer and reliable supplier

Taking care

We will take care of our people and planet by demanding the highest standards of welfare for our team and by promoting products that are designed with the long term in mind.

Mutual respect

Our business is built on embracing diversity and mutual respects – for our people, our suppliers and out customers – and our success will be achieved through everyone realising their full potential.

Highest standards

We will always hold the highest standards of design and quality for our products and services without compromise.

Continuous improvement

We are committed to continuous improvement in everything that we do and that the cumulative effect of many small improvements are essential to our business.

Our customers

CPS Seating

Global boast modern facilities with a focus on machines & modern techniques that ensure a high level of accuracy & consistency – we’ve been very pleased with the quality of work, & the level of service & support provided for both bespoke & standard projects.

Matt, Senior Design Engineer