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Gary Platt Pulls Off No Small Seat

Article Author
Sharon Harris
Publish Date
April 30, 2009
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Sharon Harris

In 1996, Gary Platt Manufacturing opened with six employees in a 25,000-square-foot building in Reno, Nev. The three founding partners, which included company namesake Gary Platt, combined 50 years of experience in hospitality seating to create a new organization.

Pictured: Gary Platt’s popular Gazelle style X-Tended Play chairs, on a four-legged round ring understructure complement the contemporary design of the newly opened Red Hawk Casino’s slot floor.

Their strong commitment to excellence has dedicated the company’s resources to designing and developing only the finest seating products. In 13 years, Gary Platt Manufacturing has achieved its goal, expanding into an international organization that produces and distributes high-quality companion slot, poker and table game seats.

Today, Gary Platt Manufacturing employs 50 hardworking professionals. The firm has relocated to a 90,000-square-foot facility in Reno and has recently expanded its sales force into Florida, Colorado, Montana and Canada. Gary Platt Manufacturing now covers all North American gaming jurisdictions, from Canada to Mexico.

Throughout its years of explosive growth in the gaming industry, Gary Platt Manufacturing has always remembered its roots. It continues to focus on one key mission: servicing and satisfying customers’ casino seating needs. Its customers have continuously responded favorably with repeat orders.

President Bob Yabroff claims: “We have noticed in the last few years that Gary Platt Manufacturing is always at the top of the list when casinos are looking for seating. We have only been in the marketplace for 13 years, but our quality seats and superior service have gained respect and confidence from operators.”
After years of research, Gary Platt Manufacturing revolutionized the casino seating industry by introducing the X-Tended Play furniture line six years ago. The company engineered an ergonomically correct chair, set at the optimal height, which prevents strain on a player’s arms, back and neck.  

Gary Platt Manufacturing continuously reminds its customers that more comfortable seating directly impacts their bottom line. An uncomfortable chair diminishes the gambling experience for customers. When casino patrons spend extra time on a particular seat at a slot machine, they play more and the casino’s profit increases.

Pictured: With its sleek, sophisticated designer appearance, the View is built not only for visual satisfaction but also to provide comfort and durability to players. The metal understructure has the look of wood but the durability of steel.

Using molded seat wood and foam with built-in lumbar support, has brought casino seating to a higher focal point within the casino. Yabroff says: “Having a more comfortable chair will help bring in more players who do not receive the same seating options at other casinos. Comfort and ergonomics lead to increased coin in. A small increase can quickly absorb any cost differential.”

Yabroff believes that the total cost of ownership includes several key factors that are often overlooked in the initial purchase decision. “The foam and wood are guaranteed against breakdowns for five years. The durability and longer chair life mean fewer repairs, which reduces general maintenance. Our casino chairs combine the resilience and stability of an office chair with the soft, cushioned feel of a customer’s favorite leisure chair,” states Yabroff.

Gary Platt Manufacturing has introduced several new models to its roster of X-Tended Play chairs. The company debuts up to four new models every year, each with a specific appeal to distinct customer needs.
The Riva has a sleek, sophisticated designer appearance. The Roxy is built to focus on maximizing the strong lumbar support. When space is a key component of the decision, the Danic model will accommodate those smaller areas on the gaming floor.

In response to customer requests, Gary Platt Manufacturing has also addressed the demand for a “one-size-fits-all” chair height. The firm now offers a lightweight Hi-Lo understructure base on its chair, which improves its functionality. Available finishes are anodized gold, clear or customized.

Gary Platt Manufacturing began to install the Hi-Lo base last year. One of the company’s early successes is the product’s popularity at the Four Winds Casino in Michigan. Yabroff expects similar results at future gaming venues.

New glide inserts are another aesthetic improvement to the four-legged chairs. The glide fits into the oval tubing for a smoother, more streamlined appearance.

The accolades and widespread acclaim affirm that the marketplace overwhelmingly embraces Gary Platt Manufacturing’s products. Testimonials from repeat customers relay stories of increased revenues and praise from their playing customers.

Last spring, one southern slot manager told the story that customers had the choice of chair samples from several manufacturers. He stated that they overwhelmingly chose the Gary Platt Manufacturing chair for its “comfortable design and great looks.”

While many of the world’s largest casino properties offer Gary Platt Manufacturing chairs, Yabroff notes that their customers range from the “mom and pop” casino locations to the ultra-chic megaresorts. His organization approaches properties of all sizes with the same professionalism and enthusiasm.
“Our service is the best in the business,” he says. “We are very conscious of and thankful for the confidence that our customers have given to us, and we take no one for granted.”

Sharon Harris has reported on the North American and Caribbean casino gaming industry since 1993, and the American coin-operated amusement industry since the 1980s. Based near Atlantic City, she can be reached at (609) 601-7890 or sharonhar@aol.com.

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