What is it about small towns in the Karoo producing big-hearted artisanal entrepreneurship stories? That's exactly the case with me&co, a proudly South African furniture company that embraces quality craftsmanship and simple design elements to produce a curated collection of flatpack furniture that perfectly fits the local decor narrative.
The me&co backstory
The year is 1995, and a newly married couple - Johan and Quinta Dercksen - move to the Karoo to start a small melamine furniture business. Setting up in the charming Eastern Cape ‘dorpie’ of Graaff Reinet, with dreams, tools, skills and a plan, their business - Melamine Corner - was born. 29 Years (and perhaps a couple of kids and dogs) later, their success story - and furniture business - has expanded and evolved.
A new name, a new brand vision and a new flatpack furniture collection have taken root, celebrating modern design tailored for South African homes and lifestyles.
The me&co numbers
Numbers tell stories, and none are as inspirational and impressive as me&co’s furniture design journey.
- 29 years - In 1995, a small team, comprising 10 local craftsmen, started making furniture in a 500m² workspace. By 2023, it had grown from these humble beginnings into a 4600m² factory and a team of 100 passionate and skilled furniture designers and makers.
- 100% - me&co’s unwavering commitment to supporting local means that every piece of furniture, hardware, and raw materials is locally designed, sourced and manufactured in South Africa
- 48,000 - Every month, 6,000 units of flatpack furniture are made; ready to find a place in any space in your home. That translates to around 48,000 units every year.
- 110 - Currently, me&co has 110 stockists countrywide proudly selling their furniture in-store.
“We’re passionate about progress, product development, exceptional customer support and nurturing our diverse team’s skills in a warm, collaborative environment.”
The me&co flatpack furniture collection
Me&co's artisan vision - to redefine the furniture industry in South Africa by highlighting contemporary design features - now boasts a flatpack collection that is gaining recognition for its commitment to quality, style and affordability.
Sustainability, ethical production practices, conscious consumerism and the protection of our planet’s resources are all close to the hearts of the me&co furniture manufacturing philosophy; only using eco-friendly raw materials in their furniture production process.
One of the key pillars of me&co's ethos is the celebration of local craftsmanship; supporting local artisans and contributing to the growth of the local community: “Our commitment to our country and its people goes beyond making furniture. Our philosophy is centred around the upliftment of individuals, growing local businesses, and championing South African design.”
Maybe it’s the Karoo’s wide open spaces, or maybe it’s the passion of its founders, but either way, me&co’s impressive collection of modern and versatile flatpack furniture pieces is worth showcasing in your home.
There are 2 ways you can interact with our collection:
Browse, be inspired, and shop our flatpack furniture online. (Me&co is all about you loving your home and loving your budget).
Become a proudly South African me&co partner. If you want to stock me&co flatpack furniture in your retail store, please contact us today. (We will customise the collection to suit your customer base).