Recall: Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. Recall to Repair Bunk Beds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2004 Release # 04-125

Ashley's Hotline: (800) 999-2936 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Bunk Beds

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Ashley "Trails End," "Cottage Retreat," and "Stages" bunk beds

Units: 22,476

Manufacturer: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., of Arcadia, Wisc.

Hazard: There are gaps between parts of the bunk bed that violate federal safety standards and can be entrapment or strangulation hazards to children. For model B383, the gap between the end rails on the upper bunk is too large. For models B213 and B233, the gap between the guardrails of the upper bunk can be widened with pressure, presenting an entrapment hazard. Federal standards for bunk beds are designed to protect children against entrapment and strangulation.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: These bunk bed models are recalled for repairs: B383-58T, B383-57T, B213-58, and B233-58. The B383 models are sold under the group name "Trails End." The B213 is sold under the group name "Cottage Retreat." The B233 is sold under the group name "Stages." The model numbers are on product stickers on each bunk bed. On the B383 model, the product sticker is on the inside of the lower rail on the top bunk end panel. On the B213 and B233 models, the product sticker is on the inside of the lower panel on the bottom bunk.

Sold at: The bunk beds being recalled for repair were sold at furniture stores nationwide. Model B383 was sold beginning in December 2000. Model B213 was sold beginning in May 2003. Model B233 was sold beginning in June 2003. All sales of the recalled bunk beds ended in February 2004. Model B383-57T sold for around $299, model B383-58T sold for around $699, and Models B213 and B233 sold for around $599.

Manufactured in: USA and Brazil.

Remedy: Stop using the recalled bunk beds and get a free repair kit from the retailer to cover and close up the entrapment gaps. Consumers can install the repair kit easily at home.

Consumer Contact: To get a free repair kit, contact the dealer who sold the bunk bed. Although repair kits are not available on-line, consumers can call Ashley Furniture Industries at (800) 999-2936 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) on Saturday. Additional information is available on Ashley's web site at www.ashleyfurniture.com