When Bolton-based furniture maker received an order for a 40ft-long Chesterfield sofa, staff did not take the challenge lying down.

A team of six at Saxon Leather Upholstery worked flat out for four days at the company’s factory in Manchester Road to complete the 25-seater.

Weighing around 385lbs (175kg), It required 1,000sq ft of chocolate brown leather to cover its beech frame, and had to be shipped to its final destination, a hotel in Holland, in three parts.

Saxon sales boss Matthew Deighton said: “A normal sofa weighs around 20kg, so this was a monster of a piece.

“It was certainly the biggest item of furniture we have supplied in the company’s 27-year history, but we were up for the challenge. The frame was built locally and we provided the foam, upholstery and suspension.”

Saxon, which has 60 staff and turns over £5m, was established by Robert Jolly in 1982. Exports are surging amid the pound’s weakness against other currencies.

Referrence: Manchester Evening News