Established in 1991, the Center conducts a program of applied research and technical assistance in support of furniture manufacturers. The Center was created by the Furniture Foundation and the American Furniture Manufacturers Association working collaboratively with administrators of NC State University. The Center is part of the NCSU College of Engineering and is funded jointly by the state of North Carolina and the furniture industry.

    The NCSU Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Furniture Manufacturing Option for students wishing to pursue careers in the furniture industry. Personnel within the Center contribute to the courses that comprise this degree program.