The furniture manufacturer TON has won an international award for its Alba armchair

Bystřice pod Hostýnem - The furniture manufacturer TON from Bystřice pod Hostýnem has received a world design award, the Red Dot Award 2018, for its chair from the Alba collection. The model, designed by Italian designer Alexander Gufler, was presented at last year’s Salone del Mobile fair in Milan. The chair impressed the jury in the product design category and was awarded the title Winner, said Anna Handlová from the company to ČTK today.

According to TON's marketing director Jan Juza, Gufler's products combine the ideal ratio of design and functionality. "Our brand is known for its precise work with wood. However, the range of awards Alba has received both domestically and internationally proves that we maintain the same level in upholstery," noted Juza.

The Alba collection includes not only the chair but also chairs and a lounge chair. According to Gufler, the unifying element is the shape of the seat and the leg structure made of solid wood. "The backrest follows it, extending down to below the lower edge of the oval seat," said the designer. Comfort while sitting is ensured by pocket springs and PUR foam. The technology used in orthopedic mattresses allows the shape and firmness of the seat to be maintained even under intense load. According to the manufacturer, the collection is also suitable for restaurants and hotels.

The Alba chair will be displayed to the public again at the Salone del Mobile design and furniture fair, which will take place in Milan from April 17 to 22. However, the company will primarily showcase the new Chips lounge chair designed by Lucie Koldová, as well as the Chop and Ink tables, Anix coffee tables, Dowel sofa, Leaf bar stool with backrest, and the bar variant of the Ironica chair.

The Red Dot Award for design is awarded in three main categories - design concept, communication design, and product design. TON received the award for the first time in 2011 for the Merano chair, also designed by Gufler. In 2016, the company received it for a chair from the Split collection and last year for a chair and table from the Leaf collection.

TON is one of the few world manufacturers of bent furniture. The company’s tradition dates back to 1861 when carpenter, inventor, and furniture designer Michael Thonet founded his company. The firm employs around 850 people and supplies products to more than 60 countries. In 2016, it reported sales of its products, services, and goods amounting to 829.4 million CZK and posted a profit of over 44 million. The results for last year have not yet been released.