Tropitone Debuts The Contemporary and Versatile Opus Strap Seating Collection

And Expands Its Offerings For The Hospitality Market

Irvine, Calif., March 27, 2006 Tropitone Furniture Co., a leading manufacturer of fine casual furniture, announced today the launch of its Opus Strap seating collection with a clean, contemporary profile designed to offer a stylistic yet highly functional solution that is well-suited to the casual but sophisticated patio, poolside and beach settings of today's resorts and hotels.

According to Michael Echolds, chief executive officer of Tropitone, the company already knows that the graceful and modern design of Opus has exceptional market appeal, based on the strong success of the company's Opus Sling seating which was introduced in 2003. "With the debut of Opus Strap, we are further expanding the choices available to designers and specifiers in the hospitality marketplace. While the Opus Sling has a sleek sensuous look, the Opus Strap radiates a contemporary and elegant vitality," said Echolds.

John Caldwell, who designed Opus, said he is proud of the collection's simplicity and economical details. "The essence of the Opus collection's classically simple profile is its sleek, square-arch frame. When paired with the versatility of Tropitone's vinyl strap material, which is constructed to be weather-resistant and to maintain its elasticity, the Opus Strap collection creates an irresistible combination of eye-catching style, exceptional functionality and durable comfort," Caldwell said.

Based on Caldwell's many years of experience working with Tropitone, Echolds said that the designer has a keen understanding of the demanding environments that a casual furniture seating collection such as Opus Strap must endure. " High-use settings such as resorts and hotels are the ultimate design challenge - the look has to be fashionable and fun but the design and construction must be very functional and durable. The Opus Strap collection, which includes a dining chair, chaise lounge, and sand chair that are all stackable, as well as a bar stool and optional cushions for each piece, is as practical as it is good-looking," Echolds said.

Tropitone offers its strap collections in 29 vinyl strap colors in 2-inch widths to complement the company's standard and premium finishes.

Founded in 1954, Tropitone is based in Irvine, California, and is recognized throughout the casual furniture marketplace for its design leadership as well as its commitment to service and value. The company sells its products to retailers, designers and the hospitality trade under the Tropitone and Basta Sole trademarks. In addition to its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Irvine, the company operates a manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida.