L-MART EXCLUSIVE FURNITURE has set out to meet the growing demand for wicker furniture. This requires locating the finest kuffa and nibbi material along with native expertise for its harvesting, preparation, handcrafting and manufacture.

The manufacture of wicker furniture begins with the identification of the required poles and vines. This requires locating the finest quality kuffa and nibbi material along with native expertise for its harvesting, preparation, handcrafting and manufacture.

The manufacture of wicker furniture begins with the identification of the required poles and vines. Most of the L-Mart's supply is sourced from the Pomeroon River Area, the North West District and the Soesdyke Linden Highway Area. The harvesting of kuffa poles and nibbi vines is done manually. They are then transported from the natural growing areas to the factory. L-Mart's factory is ideally located at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, about five miles outside of Georgetown. Within the factory building, several different activities take place, hence the appropriate sections. The activities include: fumigation, grading, steaming/molding/bending, sanding, framing, weaving, spraying and sewing.

On receipt at the factory, the outer layer (bark) of the poles and vines is stripped away in the preparation area. The poles and vines are then fumigated to remove insects as well as to prevent any subsequent insect attack. Each pole is graded individually for colour, flexibility, sturdiness, density and quality - only the very best ones are utilised. Poles are then bent to various shapes by steaming and molding, after which they pass through a sanding process.

Vines and poles of various lengths and circumferences, depending on the product to be made, are used in the production process. These lightweight but incredibly strong kuffa poles are used for framing. The suppleness of the vines allows them to bend in any shape and helps to give each piece a uniform and attractive design.

Once the construction of the frames has been completed, nibbi vines are wrapped around them. Joints and ends are glued. Vines are woven by hand to produce different designs of intricate patterns. This requires great patience, but once completed, each piece is unsurpassed in its quality and design.

Spraying or lacquering are the next set of activities followed by quality control checks. Where fabric is to be incorporated in the design, the pieces are then forwarded to the sewing section prior to dispatch.