White Noise

I'm about halfway to the middle panel

2012-01-10T08:39:00.001-08:00

http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/working_home/6.png

Re-Designing the cubicle?

2011-07-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

I love reading Fast Company, and this little article is one of the reasons why. Innovative thought on office furniture design always grabs my attention.

I'm interested in what happens to the water if it becomes over-saturated, and if the fold out chair can work on a wing panel without anything on the other side to counter-balance the weight, but they can cross that bridge when they get to it I guess.

It's a Major Award!

2011-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last posted, so apologies to my rabid fans...some please get those crickets to quiet down.

HON's Voi product line was awarded the Grand Prize in Product Innovation by BUILDINGS Magazine, as announced during NeoCon in June.

The line has been well received by both the industry and end users, which speaks well of HON's reputation as both a quality manufacturer of office furniture and a company that is innovative and in-tune with today's evolving office space.

U.S. Navy has Awarded HON a Major BPA

2011-05-10T08:03:00.001-07:00

U.S. Navy has Awarded HON a Major BPA

THE HON COMPANY WINS MAJOR SLICE OF

U.S. NAVY BUSINESS

(MUSCATINE, IA—MAY, 2011)—The U.S. Navy has awarded The HON Company a five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), effective June 1, 2011. According to Jean Reynolds, HON’s vice president of strategic development for government markets, who received the notification, this business win means HON is the only commercial manufacturer authorized to sell to the Department of the Navy in all five furniture categories and in all 50 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico, Guam and other destinations where the Navy has facilities and furnishings needs. Furniture categories awarded include: furniture systems and workstation clusters; worksurfaces, workstations, computer furniture and accessories; filing and storage cabinets; executive office furniture; and, multipurpose seating.

“HON was first awarded a Navy BPA 3-1/2 years ago,” Reynolds recalled. “To be cited again is a tribute to our HON dealers and all of the hardworking members of The HON Company who are so staunchly dedicated to the company’s core values—solid performance, exceptional sustainability and outstanding value. This latest award,” she continued, “gives HON a competitive advantage in the market, and we look forward to supporting our longstanding Navy customers.”

The Navy’s notification comes within days of The HON Company’s appearance at the GSA Expo in San Diego, May 10-12, where the manufacturer will be exhibiting in Space #1029.

Another edge for the Navy and other federal agencies doing business with The HON Company is that more than 80% of the manufacturer’s products are BIFMA level 2® certified. “With the level 1 certification expected to become a requirement for GSA, and soon applicable for many government bureaus,” said Reynolds, “HON is exceptionally well prepared on all fronts with all of the appropriate accreditation to serve as a furnishings resource for their projects.”

To learn more about The HON Company, visit www.HON.com.

HON GSA Contract Extension

2011-04-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Quick little note on HON's GSA contract: "HON's GSA contract GS-27F-0015S has been extended through August 26, 2011."

Preside and Voi from HON

2011-04-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

With the recent product introductions of lines like Vicinity, Arrive and Ignition, HON has really impressed the industry with the ability to offer "designer" friendly office furniture at the mid-market price points that HON is known for. And this year HON introduces two new additions: Preside conference tables and the Voi desking series.

The Preside table line is a very big deal for HON. Previously their maximum table size was 144", but now they offer the ability to create a table up to 360" (30 feet!) They also have added more edge options to match up with their existing desking lines, as well as several new base options. And you now can get a 54" width on the tables; previously the deepest size was 48".

The Voi line is a unique series for HON, offering layered worksurfaces, multiple material intergration, increased flexibility and the ability to personalize your office to reach the right mix of function and style. Voi allows for maximization of smaller footprints without sacrificing worksurface or storage needs. Like Vicinity, it is a line unlike any other HON offers.

Congrats to the 2 Million Mile Man

2011-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

We've been seeing Kevin Beerthuis in our warehouse for more years that we can remember, and we just wanted to congratulate him on passing the 2 million mile mark for Trendway deliveries. Kevin is a great guy, and was recently honored for this impressive feat at a Trendway banquet.

Way to go Kevin!

Is there too much of "you" in your office?

2011-02-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

A little light reading for you on a good looking Thursday: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23340351/ns/business-forbescom/

If you came to visit our showroom, you'd know my office when you see it. I'll leave it at that.

Voi-la?

2011-02-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

Oh Voi! Oy Voi? Hard to come up with a catchy pun that includes HON's newest desking line (called, if it wasn't apparent from my humorless efforts, Voi) so I'll just let the product do the talking.

Voi has been tagged as the value you need, the style you want and the desk you'll need. Happy Valentine's day indeed.

The contemporary styling on this line is very stunning in person, and the options it offers not only for smaller footprints but also out-of-the-box storage and workspace allocation are pretty cool. I think this is a great product for HON, and hopefully it can really take off.

The Shrinking Cubible Caper...

2011-02-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

...not a very thrilling who-dun-it, but any time the first picture I see is from "Office Space", you have my attention. But this all makes sense - technology allows us to do more in less space, travel and telecommuting take workers out of the office more frequently and the need for collaborative workspace has made the traditional large cube a thing of the past. We see the need for more and more "touchdown" stations that we do for a cube where the occupant needs space for a small round table or maybe several filing units.

Steelcase in higher education

2010-12-21T06:35:00.001-08:00

Interesting article from Fast Company about Steelcase and their higher education line. A new competitor for the KIs of the world who have been working that market previously. It looks at lot like the Smartlink product that HON offers, only with more technology integration.

Things have come a long way since I was in school. Does no one use chalk anymore?

Follow up on Extreme Makeover last night

2010-11-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

A great episode of Extreme Makeover last night (we watch it almost every week in my house, as my daughters love seeing the kids going crazy over their new rooms.) If you caught it or not, the team did a fantastic job of re-building the Lighthouse School in Nashville, and one of our dealer-partners, HON, played a major roll by providing the classroom furniture for the new school. You can check out pictures from the episode here.

If you want more info on the specific products used in the school, contact me and I'll get that to you.

Fun children's furniture

2010-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.greenplayfurniture.com/

Check out this cool line of kid's furniture, especially the Group Loop Caterpiller tables. This is a great looking system, and it is designed with high environmental standards so it is healthy for both kids and the planet.

HON on Extreme Makeover this coming Sunday

2010-11-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Building Dreams with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

The HON Company joined forces with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and The Nashville Build to rebuild Lighthouse Christian School in Nashville, TN! We had a team in Nashville installing SmartLink™ education solutions and more to help the school recover from damage sustained during the May flooding.

Tune into ABC on Sunday, November 14th, 8/7C, to see the team in action!

For more information about The HON Company please visit hon.com and to learn more about SmartLink education solutions go to hon.com/smartlink.

Silica - New from Momentum

2010-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Momentum Textiles has introduced Silica, described as "the industry’s first and only environmental alternative to vinyl and polyurethane. Made from 51% silicone and 49% PLA with zero PVC and zero solvents, Silica is ink-erasable with water and inherently anti-microbial and antil-bacterial."

You can watch demonstration videos here: https://www.themomgroup.com/silica_prod_cleaning_frameset.html. Everything shown was cleaned with just a damp cloth; you can also use a bleach cleanser (see the spec for the correct ratio.)

With 21 colorways and a 365,000 rub count, this is a very interesting option for high traffic health-care type environments. I have not seen the fabric in person but can already see this becoming a very popular choice for waiting rooms, cafeterias, etc.

HON on Extreme Makeover

2010-09-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/prnewswire/2010/09/10/prnewswire201009101350PR_NEWS_USPR_____NY62797.html

The link above is for the Forbes article, and you can also get updates on Facebook by becoming a fan of the HONComapany.

The HON Company is teaming up with ABC's "Extreme Makeover" to help a Nashville preschool that was ravaged my floods back in May. They are building/filming the episode right now, and it will air November 7th. Look for an appearance by Leann Tuohy, portrayed by Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side."

Saving the Earth one office chair at a time

2010-09-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Repreve is yarn made from 100% recycled materials—including the PET plastic bottles you drink from. Repreve is made by Unifi, a leading producer of synthetic fibers. Check out Repreve here: http://www.repreve.com/Default.aspx.

HON offers Repreve fabrics in four different textile patterns: Attire, Gio, Charged and Quadrille. Check out Quadrille and the others here: http://www.hon.com/SurfaceMaterials/Textiles/Core-Seating/Detail.aspx?id=703.

I drink enough bottled water during the day to create a few yards of the fabric myself, so it is good to see a creative use of the plastic waste.

Because resting on his Swiffer laurels wasn't enough...

2010-07-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662004/designer-of-the-swiffer-cleans-up-the-modern-hospital

Herman Miller has partnered with the designer of the Swiffer to re-design their offering to the health care community. The Compass system joins several other manufacturer's offerings in this growing segment of the furniture industry. There is a brief animated video in the Fast Company link, and then a longer interview video where Herman Miller designers give a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating Compass. Interesting stuff, and worth a few minutes to watch the video.

Time to get organized?

2010-07-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Is It Time for a little
Organization in the Office?

Office Organization Tips
from The HON Company

Increase your office productivity with helpful tips
from The HON Company

	Do you spend more time looking for a file than reading what's in it?
	Do you have to pack a lunch to find something in the office archives?
	Do you work up a sweat looking for a marker, paperclip or other supply?

Get your FREE Organization Tips download. Prioritize and organize your way to a more productive office with a few of our proven tips.

At HON, we are inspired by what works. We think this kind of practicality can be exciting when it's done well.

If you have specific questions about office furniture, please contact your local dealer any time at:

Systems Furniture Gallery Inc
4425-1100 Brookfield Corporate Dr.
Chantilly, VA. 20151
(703) 631-3375

New HON seating lines

2010-07-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

HON introduced a few new seating lines at NeoCon last month, and one of the standouts is Nucleus. It is hard not to notice that technology seems to make everything we touch these days slimmer and more streamlined, and this chair is a perfect example. No more bulky foam seats - Nucleus uses its unique construction to distribute weight evenly across the seat with less material inside the seat. It is able to minimize pressure points, allowing for improved circulation and reduced muscle fatigue.

This is a comfortable chair. With the multi-directional stretch on the ilira stretch M4 material used in the seat back, you get instant lumbar support shaped to your individual frame. No more adjusting the back height or lumbar pad to get it just right. And there are multiple color options on the ilira M4 material, so while you can never go wrong with black you do have the ability to incorporate different color schemes for different sections of the office.

Enjoy: http://www.hon.com/nucleus/

HON Price increase coming soon

2010-04-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

HON announced today that they will be implementing a price increase on their product offering. The increase will go into effect on June 30th 2010. The average increase on HON products will be 2.5%, and we'll know more about which items are increased as we get closer to the date.

ALLSTEEL Adds Soy Resin To Products

2010-03-23T11:57:00.001-07:00

http://www.ofdmag.com/magnew/news_story.asp?ID=9014&TYPE=NL

From Office Furniture & Design online:

New York, NY (March 2010) - Reducing its environmental footprint even further, Allsteel has reformulated its Seaglass, Infinite Spectrum, and Pearlescent Strata Landscape surfaces, to include at least seven percent soy-based resin in addition to recyclable polyester. The reformulation reflects Allsteel’s ongoing initiative to increase the bio-based content in its offerings, and these three surfaces represent just a fraction of the eco-friendly materials the company recently has introduced for its systems furniture and seating collections.

Many Allsteel fabrics are already Cradle to Cradle Certified and contain Repreve, a yarn that uses a blend of at least 10 percent post-consumer recycled polyester and up to 90 percent pre-consumer recycled polyester. For every pound of Repreve that’s produced, 50,000 BTUs of energy are conserved — the equivalent to almost half a gallon of gasoline.

For more information on Allsteel’s eco-friendly materials and initiatives visit www.allsteeloffice.com.

Just a quick thought for a rainy Friday

2010-03-12T12:48:00.001-08:00

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Frank Outlaw

Furniture and Facebook - Match made in Heaven?

2010-02-25T03:30:00.000-08:00

There is a growing list of office furniture companies launching Facebook fan pages. HON (up this week) and Trendway (started in January) have unveiled their new pages, which can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/honcompany?ref=search&sid=1615505922.3050440255..1&v=app_4949752878

http://www.facebook.com/honcompany?ref=search&sid=1615505922.3050440255..1&v=app_4949752878

They are joining competitors like Herman Miller, Steelcase and Allseating in taking advantage of the social media tidal wave washing over us all.

Also, if you are on Twitter, you can follow HON at http://twitter.com/honcompany

Pages (and tweets) are highlighting new product development, news and notes, etc., so if you like to keep on top of things in the industry these should be great resources.

Non-common sense?

2010-02-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Improving your office environment may be as simple as turning the thermostat up or down. Only about 15% of office workers report being satisfied with the temperature in their workplace.

(I don't know if this takes into account telecommuters. If it did, and any of those were unsatisfied, then that is just plain laziness...)

HON HQ Renovation

2010-02-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Take a 100 year old building. Combine it with 3 other buildings, totaling 68,000 square feet. Throw in the biggest revenue arm of the nation's second largest contract furniture company. Give it a major renovation, and what do you get? The new HON headquarters building.

https://honready.hon.com/DocumentStorage/Documents/Office_Insight_HON_HQ.PDF

I've seen the end reults in person on a visit last spring, and it is an amazing space. The care they took in showing parts of the original building really shows, and adds so much to the overall feeling one gets when touring the facility. You get a sense of the history of the building and the company, and it contrasts very well with the updated product line HON incorporates throughout the offices. The A&D community needs to wake up to what HON has to offer.

February Fun Fact

2010-02-04T04:27:00.000-08:00

According to HON, at any given time they have about 300-400 semis on the road delivering product. Last year all the trips those trucks made were the equivalent of 71 round trips to the moon. Imagine the cost in gas...

Cramped Space?

2010-01-26T09:07:00.001-08:00

If you have an area where you need a computer but can't fit a desk, have you thought of mounting to the wall? Take a look at Anatome's Wall Trax offering:

http://www.anatomeco.com/products/series.asp?id=7

These products allow you to keep the monitor and keyboard flat against the wall until needed, and can be used either in a seated or standing application. Healthcare, IT, really any application could use something like this is the space is at a premium.

An interesting last minute gift idea...

2009-12-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

...although you may have trouble getting it under the tree. Not to mention fitting it into your budget. It's a whopping $6575.

I'm talking about this Mark Albrecht desk: http://www.markalbrechtstudio.com/index.php?album=Desk&image=Desk.jpg. It seems very minimalistic in design, and to be honest, at first glance looked like just another computer training table. It has a metal base, and what appeared to be a laminate surface. Turns out that the surface is leather. And if you take a closer look at the chassis is molded steel - no welds to be seen. And that flip up document holder is pretty darn cool.

No mention of the lead time on his site, but I can wait if you happen to be my Secret Santa. Dark Brown leather please.

More on Crypton, INCASE and SilverBan

2009-12-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Research and Development Team
November, 2009 Release
Corporate Offices: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Manufacturing facility: Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Microbial Protection -- Going Beyond Silver
Silver Ion Technology was first introduced by Crypton in 2006 with the launch of Crypton Green. It is
now being used throughout Crypton, Inc.’s offerings, including INCASE. Crypton Green, Crypton Super
Fabrics, and INCASE Fabric Protection go beyond silver, however, when it comes to protecting fabrics
against microbial growth. Our multi-functionality – repellency, cleanability, Silver Ion Technology, and
moisture barrier – provides a tiered system of defense that cannot be matched by silver ions alone.

Crypton, Inc. advantages include:
> The use of the best application technique, held consistent across all fabrics
> Multiple levels of protection, not simply Silver Ion Technology
> Lower cost

Consistent Application
An advantage for Crypton and INCASE is the application method is always the same. Our proprietary
system of fabric immersion, pressure, and heat transfer impart both physical and molecular bonding,
encapsulating each fiber with a permanent, protective membrane. Should there be abrasion to remove
surface fibers, the subsequent layers of fibers are equally protected. Crypton and INCASE are never
sprayed or foamed on, ensuring all fibers, not just the surface layer, are protected.

Tiered System of Defense
The tiered defense consists of -
> Each and every fiber is both hydrophobic and oleophobic, meaning water and oil-based
liquids are repelled.
> Oil- and water-based soils are easily released, allowing removal of the food sources for microbes.
> Silver Ion Technology resists the growth of microbes. With Crypton and Crypton Green this
includes fungal growth.
> Crypton Super Fabrics and Crypton Green only: permanent, integrated moisture barrier

Mechanism 1: Water and Oil Repellency
Even before we rely on Silver Ion Technology, the resistance to moisture serves to protect Crypton and
INCASE fabrics. Microbes are living organisms that need a food source, correct temperature, and
humidity to thrive. By repelling liquids the likelihood of having an environment suitable for growth is
greatly diminished.

Mechanism 2: Soil and Stain Release
Some finishes only provide repellency, actually making it more difficult to remove stains once they
penetrate the fabric surface. Crypton and INCASE, on the other hand, repel spills while making it easy
to clean embedded stains. The release portion of our chemistry aids the ability to remove water- and
oil-based stains that serve as food sources for microorganisms.

Mechanism 3: Silver Ion Technology
In the unlikely event that a stain should get past the first two defense mechanisms, Silver Ion Technology
resists microbial growth. Silver was used by the ancient greeks in drinking vessels and is now used
in a variety of medical applications, including wound dressings. Silver ions control bacteria by (1)
blocking oxygen-transporting enzymes, (2) preventing cell growth by inactivating proteins of the bacteria,
and (3) locking the cell membrane.

Mechanism 4: Permanent, Integrated Moisture Barrier
The guaranteed moisture barrier of Crypton is the only way to ensure fabrics can be disinfected. When
used in conjunction with any EPA approved Disinfectant, numerous bacteria, fungus, and viruses are
eliminated. Crypton is the ultimate protection against behind-the-scenes contamination.
INCASE is appropriate when the moisture barrier is not needed (i.e. privacy curtains, drapes, etc.).

Lower Cost
Crypton and INCASE do not require multiple processors, saving time and money. And while there are
yarns that include a silver-based product at extrusion, these fabrics are more expensive with no gain in
effectiveness against microbes. Only the silver compounds on the fiber surface have an impact on
microbial resistance, so the expensive material within the fiber is wasted. There is no advantage in
terms of permanency because testing shows our product is 99.9% effective after 20 commercial launderings.

The HON Company Revitalizes D.C. Showroom

2009-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

The HON Company Revitalizes Washington D.C. Showroom

Thursday November 12, 2009

The HON Company said Wednesday that it has revitalized its Washington D.C. showroom, "bringing a fresh, modern look to the space that highlights the design and functionality of HON's furniture." Located five blocks away from the White House, the showroom provided SmithGroup with an ideal setting to showcase the company's furniture solutions - especially its new flexible panel systems and innovative laminate and veneer lines.

"The renovation of our Washington D.C. showroom presents great examples of HON furniture and workplace solutions; and highlights the progressive nature of the HON brand," said Betsy Hoye, national resource center, advertising and public relations manager. "The showroom's redesign has turned the space into a flexible, sustainable pavilion that embraces the direction of HON's new offerings. New design features reflect the future developments of office interiors, showcasing a strong, clean, modern appearance that was conceived and executed in partnership with the SmithGroup." Hoye continued, "SmithGroup has been a valuable partner in this process, as their teams have designed multiple showrooms - and our recently rejuvenated headquarters building in Muscatine - to better showcase not just our products, but also to incorporate the core values that are integral to everyone at HON."

The showroom underscores the rich local heritage of the D.C. area by incorporating wall dividers which feature maps of several different neighborhoods throughout the city - DuPont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Navy Yard/Near Southeast and Capitol Hill/Lincoln Park. The overall showroom design and the incorporation of these dividers is based on the L'Enfant plan of Washington, which for nearly 100 years has kept a legal height limit of 160 feet on buildings to preserve the broad horizontal nature of the city, allowing light and air to reach the pedestrian level. "The design plan for the showroom is more open, and therefore allows views throughout the entire space and brings more natural light to the whole room," said Rob Moylan, designer, SmithGroup D.C. "With a unique design for HON that is also specific to D.C., this space now reflects HON's vision, the feel of a modern showroom and a look that will keep people engaged and coming back."

Another design initiative in the showroom was to "flip" the furniture away from the windows so that all product vignettes are centered in the space. This allows for more natural light to enter the showroom and promotes a more logical circulation flow. The company's new Vicinity work storage solution is the first product visitors will encounter when they enter the showroom, as it serves as the reception station, demonstrating how it readily adapts to many different environments and work styles. HON's newest panel system, Abound, takes center stage in the showroom. Abound provides a streamlined look with straight lines and crisp edges that complements any office environment. The 6,700 square-foot showroom also houses a number of additional new HON products, including the Announce Veneer Line and the Attune Laminate Series. A private office furniture line, Announce includes desks, credenzas and storage units that provide complete personalization and improve the productivity of busy executives. Attune is designed for both private offices and open-plan environments, and provides workers with a stylish, contemporary and flexible work area.

Crypton INCASE press release

2009-11-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

From the Cryton Fabric October Bulletin:

TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Research and Development Team
October, 2009 Release
Corporate Offices: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Manufacturing facility: Kings Mountain, North Carolina

New INCASE Technology Features Superior Cleaning Technology

Perfect when a barrier is not required, Crypton’s new INCASE fabric protection delivers superior
cleanability that is customized to each end-use. Crypton’s advanced stain and microbial resistant
treatment with INCASE works at the molecular level to increase surface tension resulting in liquids
rolling off the surface unlike any other product in the marketplace. INCASE fabrics are manufactured at
our Kings Mountain, North Carolina facility according to end use, texture and fiber type.

The same 15 years of experience from making Crypton barrier fabric guided this new technology that
exceeds other finishes that are topically applied. INCASE also has earned the leading certifications for
the greenest treatments available by using silver ion technology to inhibit the growth of broad spectrum
bacteria and organisms.

Crypton INCASE will not change the hand or appearance of the fabric, and is designed to be FR neutral
meaning that it will not negatively impact inherently flame-retardant fabrics. INCASE fabric will pass the
NFPA 701 Vertical Flame Resistant Test for draperies and cubicle curtains. To find an INCASE Fabric
Distributor for your project, visit www.cryptonfabric.com/incase

Over 30 combinations of fibers, dyes, and finishes have been third-party tested for VOCs, including
formaldehyde. Crypton Super Fabrics, Crypton Green, and INCASE are SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold
certified to the toughest product emissions standard – California’s Section 01350, helping to ensure
they’re safe for sensitive groups and children. See our SCS certificates at
www.scscertified.com/products/cert_pdfs/Crypton_2009_SCS-IAQ-01616_s.pdf.

Toxicity and Bioaccumulation
Crypton barrier and INCASE fabrics are free of PFOS and have no detectable levels of PFOA, molecules
that could be found at low levels in past stain-resistant chemistries. PFOS and PFOA are known and
suspected carcinogens, respectively, and have been shown to be bio-accumulative and bio-persistent.
Fortunately, PFOS-containing chemistries were taken off the market roughly a decade ago.

Crypton has been third-party tested for the presence of heavy metals, phenols, phthalates, odor, and
skin sensitizers. By adhering to stringent specifications Crypton Mattress Fabric was Oeko-Tex Standard
100 certified. Oeko-Tex is the most widely recognized label for environmental textiles in the world. See
our certificate at www.cryptonfabric.com/INCASE

See our current endorsement at
www.oekotex.com/OekoTex100_PUBLIC/content1.asp?area=hauptmenue&site=einkaufsfuehrer&cls=0
2&tr=1#ts

Our products do not contain any of the Substances of Very High Concern that have been banned by
REACH, the new legislation for chemicals sold in the European Union. REACH stands for Registration,
Evaluation, and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.

We have also developed fabrics that meet a variety of flammability specifications without the use of
halogenated flame retardants, including PBDEs. Also, our fabrics resist microbial growth without the
use of leaching antimicrobials. Silver Ion Technology was introduced to Crypton Green in 2006, to
Crypton Super Fabrics in 2007, and to INCASE in 2008. Test results show a 99.9% reduction of Staphylococcus
aureus after 20 commercial launderings of INCASE FR cubicle curtains.

Fun with spills

2009-10-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

On a tour of some manufacturer's showrooms in downtown DC yesterday, we made a stop in to visit Paoli. During the meeting, the Paoli rep pulls out a few interesting liquids and proceeds to "spill" them on one of the desk tops. He was showing how their closed-pore finish on the wood surface protects the desk from any liquids getting into the actual board, and also how the finish itself also rebuffs any discoloration from the liquids contacting the lacquer.

First was some good 'ol Clorox bleach. Nice. No issues. Next was ammonia. Lovely smell, no problems. Now the good stuff. Lighter fluid. No problemo. And what do you say, just for fun, we add a little rum? The good Captain would have been proud. No fading, no seeping, no worries.

A little Windex and a few paper towels later, the worksurface was exactly the same as before. The rep says he's done that same experiment 38 times now. I say that is a waste of good rum, but I do appreciate the visual aid...

Check out the Paoli site here: http://www.paoli.com/. Take a look at the Fuse desking line, and then a gander at the R5 seating. Both are extremely immpressive. And Paoli is a division of HNI, acquired in 2004, so it is now a sister company of HON, Allsteel, etc.

It is the cold and flu season...

2009-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

As had a conversation today about the flu, hand sanitizer and how many opportunities there are to pick up germs in an office these days, I was reminded of an e-mail that came across last week introducing a new product treatment being implemented by some manufacturers. A new innovation in antimicrobials is being applied to office furniture, and seems particularly useful in open office areas, shared applications and public areas.

Check out the information on SilverBan(tm) at the Carolina Business Furniture site: http://www.carolinabusinessfurniture.com/page.php?category=tools&sub=silverban

This is really interesting stuff. It isn't a be-all-end-all treatment for an office, but it really goes a long way to helping create a healthy office environment.

2009-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

If any of you reading this are signed up with LinkedIn, let me know. I would like to connect to you.

Here's a poll I posted on LinkedIn, nothing too serious but would like to see what people think: http://www.linkedin.com/osview/canvas?_ch_page_id=1&_ch_panel_id=1&_ch_app_id=0&_applicationId=1900&_ownerId=0&appParams=%7B%22key%22%3A%22aivna%22%2C%22uri%22%3A%22%2Fanswers%2Fvote%2F60455%22%7D

New Crypton blog

2009-09-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Look over to the right side of this page and you'll see a new link to the brand new Crypton blog. The blog was created by one of the co-founders of the company, which in addition to providing a treatment to upholstery used in office furniture also offers plenty of products for everyday use - home furniture, tote bags, throws, dog beds, backpacks, etc...

The blog promises to be informative and interesting, and the Crypton website also provides suggested cleaning methods for you existing furniture (as referenced in this blog back in February 2008.)

Side Access Pedestals require forward thinking

2009-08-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

When you open you pedestal drawers, what do you see? Stacks of papers where you can only read what is on the top sheet? Boxes of paper clips, staples and other infrequently used office supplies? Rows of green hanging folders? A giant mess?

And how much do you really need most of the items that are in there? Did I really just start a post with seven questions in a row? You betcha. Anyway, HON has re-imagined the daily usage of the pedestal, by completely revamping the interior of the case. Take a visit to the mini-page for their new Side-Access Pedestal: http://www.hon.com/sideaccessped.aspx

With the perforated interior and a selection of "SecureFit" accessories HON has turned the ped from a passive storage unit under your desk into an active work zone designed to help increase your productivity.

Outdoor Furniture in your future plans?

2009-08-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.loewensteininc.com/ProductTypes.aspx?Type=101

If so, take a look at the above link to Loewenstein, and division of OFS brands (see also OFS, First Office, Carolina along with Styline Logistics.) Loewenstein incorporates European design into their seating and lounge collections. They can be called a true multi-purpose furniture manufacturer, and offer qualilty product at attractive price points.

New Product from OFS and First Office

2009-07-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

There are two new product offering from OFS and First Office (sister companies under the Styline Industries umbrella.) The OFS offering is, ironically enough, called "Offerings" and can be seen here: http://www.ofs.com/products/casegoods/offerings/offerings.php. This is a very visual, very stylish contemporary line with several unique features. One of the features that is interesting to me is the taller heights available on the tower units, as I have seen several instances of incorporating large flat screen televisions into credenza units. It has been difficult to get flanking pieces to frame the TV, and now with the taller option from Offerings we can frame those TVs better. And check out the banding on the chassis under the worksurface.

Onto First Office. Check out Cambria here: http://www.firstoffice.com/products/casegoods/cambria/cambria.php. Described as a traditional line that is easy on a budget, it too has several unique features, like optional molding. Just don't confuse it with Cambia seating from HON, like I did early today...oh, and you can see them here: http://www.hon.com/Products/Chairs.aspx?N=22+4294967159.

Vicinity from HON

2009-06-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

check out the video - cool new stuff in workspace storage

http://newproducts.hon.com/vicinity.aspx?utm_source=vicinity&utm_medium=offline

More NeoCon

2009-06-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the HON NeoCon blog from last year: http://neocon2008.hon.com/NeoCon-Blogs/June-2008/Warning--You-Are-within-the-Vicinity-of-Greatness.aspx

They previewed Vicinity at that show, and now are rolling it out in full. We have a sample on our showroom floor if you are in the area!

NeoCon Preview

2009-06-12T06:16:00.001-07:00

NeoCon starts up next week - here is a link to a preview of the HON showroom. Scroll over the product and check out the Abound and Vincinty lines. Great new product. If you want to follow HON at NeoCon via Twitter, you can find them @honcompany.

http://onlineshowroom.hon.com/

Floor sample sale

2009-04-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for an executive suite, or may a new chair, swing by our showroom to take a look at some on the models on sale.

We are here M-F, 8am to 5pm. Give us a call if you are interested!

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Prioritize and Organize with 10 tips from The HON Company!

1 » Me Time - Schedule appointments with yourself. Use your calendar and schedule
appointments with yourself to complete tasks and focus on certain projects. Don’t
let yourself be interrupted. This is your time! Another idea: set reminders in your
calendar to keep on track with your personal or professional goals.

2 » You’ve Got Mail - Resist the urge to check your email every time it alerts you.
Instead, set specific times to check your email throughout the day or even turn off
your email for a while (did we really say that?!). Focus on the task at hand versus
constant multi-tasking.

3 » Task Folders Set The Priority - Don’t let your desk turn into one big inbox.
Color code your files, create categories for your projects - red (urgent), orange
(somewhat urgent), yellow (today/tomorrow), green (when you can get to it). Then
you can visualize when projects are due and attack the red folders first.

4 » Time After Time - Focus on time management. There really can be a time for
everything if you plan properly. If managing your time is a struggle, there may be
time management seminars you could attend in your community or online. See
www.FranklinCovey.com for more great tips and seminars on time management.

5 » Cord Crazy - Contain cords and wires from your desktop and floor space using
clips, zip ties, cable covers, or cord covers. Color code them so you can identify
which cord goes with what piece of equipment. Also, retractable cords are
amazingly handy and help to organize any office space or conference room.

6 » Top Five - Keep a running to-do list. Start with 10 things on your list and keep it
current. Break it down further by prioritizing the top 5. This will keep you focused
on attacking the important tasks first.

7 » Start Small - Whether becoming organized is a goal for your company or
yourself, make sure to start small. Set mini goals, prioritize them with deadlines
and remember to reward yourself or the team once the goals are met. As an
example, when your team completes a project on time, take them to lunch at
your favorite café or cater lunch in the office.

8 » De-Clutter - Learn how to purge all the ‘stuff’ you don’t need. Ask yourself,
“When was the last time I used this? Will I touch it again? Can someone else use
it?”. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it. Recycle it or pass
it along to a co-worker.

9 » Do It Now - Are you are procrastinator? It usually happens because we avoid
the tasks that are not as fun, or are downright unpleasant. Deal with it. Use your
priority list to make sure the most important things are done first, whether you like
it or not.

10 » Prep Work - At the end of each day, spend 5 - 10 minutes getting organized for the
next day. Review your calendar, gather any information you need for meetings,
clean up your desktop and create a to-do list for tomorrow.

Interesting Conference Room options

2009-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.paoli.com/index.aspx?pageid=1505

The Overture line from Paoli has some nice looking pieces - I dig the video conferencing table top, with the trapezoidal shape that allows for better sight lines in a video conferencing set-up. I also like the power/data pop-ups in the trough, and the trim on the table bases.

Inaugurial Furniture

2009-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

During the swearing in, this is what you saw the President sitting in: http://www.ofs.com/products/seating/guest/berkshire/berkshire.php

And in a brief shot of Camp Victory, you may have noticed this: http://www.ofs.com/products/conference_reception/conference/launch/launch.php

Both from OFS - lots of pub for them!

2009-01-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

There is a new chair line available from HON, but other than viewing the link below, I don't know much about it. It is a nice looking chair line, with desk, guest and a stool available. I don't know how it sits, but the fact that it has adjustable lumbar support and "friendlier knobs" has my attention. The fact that it has a 2 1/2-to-1 recline ratio for the back to the seat should be interesting. We don't have a sample yet, but I'm hoping we will soon. Here is the link to the brochure:

http://newproducts.hon.com/flash/pdf/Mirus_brochure.pdf

izzy stacker gets in the game

2009-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

I was perusing some pictures from friends last week, and came across a picture of a football team's locker room. The chair provided for each locker stall caught my eye; I recognized it from some recent installations we did. It was the Catie stacker chair from izzy. I really like using this chair when possible - it has great durability, comes w/ or w/o arms and can be done in 8 shell colors or in fabric. We can also get it with a tablet arm for a learning/training environment. If it can withstand the use of football teams, firemen and even the rough-and-tumble elementary school crowd, it can work for you.

New HON website

2008-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

HON has re-designed their website, and you can check it out here: http://www.hon.com/

One of the nicer features that they've added is the ability to look at the offerings in their surface material program. It is a big step up from the previous display of fabric and finishes.

Take the Attune tour when you visit as well - it is a great new product line with many features not seen on any of their other desk lines.

Buffett's buying...sign of hope?

2008-11-07T07:16:00.001-08:00

CORT, an office furniture and corporate relocation services company acquired by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway eight years ago, has acquired Aaron Rents Corporate Furnishings for $72 million.
CORT says the acquisition makes it the only national furniture rental company, with locations in more than 70 metropolitan areas. Aaron Rents operates rent-to-own furniture rental stores.
“At a time when many companies are delaying initiatives, CORT is following the strategies espoused by its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway – invest in what is best for the long term value of company and continue to broaden the differentiation between the company and its competitors,” Fairfax-based CORT said in a statement.
In January, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK/A) acquired Roomservice Group, a furniture rental company in the U.K.
Berkshire Hathaway acquired CORT, then Cort Business Services, for $467 million in 2000.

Price Increases, Again

2008-09-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, HON will have an increase on October 1st - So there are about three weeks to get any orders in at the old pricing.

izzy had its second price increase of the year on Sept. 1st. An additional 5% on top of the previous 3% increase.

Groupe LaCasse had an increase - various percentages for different lines, so best to contact a sales rep for that info.

And now Trendway in announcing it will have an increase effective Sept. 29th. Like the previous statement, there are varying increases for different lines, so contact a sales rep for more info.

NeoCon Newness Now - eNjoy

2008-08-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Link pulls up site. Site has pretty pictures. Oohs and Aahs optional.

Wait for the animation at the top of the page to load, and then roll the cursor over the pics to see them better.

I didn't see this the first time I linked, but on the right side of the page is a small orange arrow - click that to scroll the animation to the right and see the additional items that didn't make the front page cut...

http://www.neocon2008.hon.com/Home.aspx

Green goes over my head

2008-08-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

I never did well in Chemistry (much to the dismay of Mrs. Olech...)

From HON, via Monday Morning Quarterback:

The HON Company Reduces Emissions on Seating Products
Friday August 8, 2008
A new technology for fabric treatment, offering protection from water and stains with advanced flame retardant properties, is making its way into the mainstream office environment. Through its new partnership with G3 Technology Innovations, LLC (G3i), The HON Company is one of the first manufacturers to offer G3i's GreenShield(TM) FR finish on its seating, upholstered in 100-percent polyester Striae, Tile and Panorama fabrics.
G3i develops environmentally responsible solutions that eliminate or dramatically reduce the use of chemistries, typically fluorocarbons, in traditional finishes. Fluorocarbons, as identified by the Environmental Protection Agency, are possible carcinogens, and are persistent in the environment and have been found to accumulate in human and animal bodies.
Traditionally, adding protection to fabrics has been provided by using fluorochemical-based finishes. So a finish with reduced amounts of harmful fluorocarbons, such as Greenshield FR, is a major step for the environment and human health.
"We achieve more with less," explains Dr. Suresh Sunderrajan, one of G3i's founders. "We can use fewer chemicals to achieve the functionality we need and reduce the amount of treatment textiles require. We make every atom count."
The manufacturing of the GreenShield FR finish by G3i is based upon green nanotechnology principles, a practice that offers the opportunity to head off adverse effects before they occur. The processes used eliminate waste, use ambient temperature and pressure, and also solely use aqueous solvents, thereby no volatile organic compounds are released after application onto the fabric - resulting in improved indoor air quality.
G3i's "more with less" philosophy behind the creation of its GreenShield finishes fits perfectly with The HON Company's ongoing environmental commitment.
"We're constantly searching for ways to reduce the amount of chemicals and emissions that enter the environment," explains Mindy Billingsley, HON's environmental marketing manager. "When we learned about G3i's new textile finishes, we knew they would be a perfect fit for our polyester seating fabrics."
Kandice Tjebkes, HON's product business manager for surface materials, says the reduction in chemicals in GreenShield FR benefits the appearance and texture of the treated polyester fabrics.
"Unlike other traditional flame-retardant finishes, this one makes the fabric feel 'normal' instead of giving it a more stiff texture," Tjebkes says. "The fabric's colors remain true to its original palette, as well." GreenShield FR is certified both as a Low Fluorocarbon Treatment and Indoor Advantage(TM) Gold by Scientific Certification Systems, a third-party auditor, certifier and standards developer for environmental, sustainable and product quality claims.

Telecommuting? Wasn't me, I was here...

2008-08-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

Seems that a good number of people out there are of the belief that if they telecommute, they are hindering their advancement in their job. But they also believe telecommuting is a good thing, and that they may even be more productive away from the daily routine in their office.

From Monday Morning Quarterback:

"Most Office Workers Fear Backlash of Telecommuting
Monday August 11, 2008

In an interesting contradiction, a majority of office workers fear that telecommuting can hurt their career prospects, yet just over half believe that it is beneficial for a company to endorse telecommuting. These results are the first in a four-part Workplace Index Survey of 700 white-collar workers on the nature of work commissioned by Steelcase.
Almost half of the respondents' companies allow them to telecommute, but less than a third take advantage, largely due to perceptions that working away from home will hinder their chances at a promotion due to the lack of contact with the employer (64 percent). Additionally, most office workers feel that their companies prefer them in the office to control their work environment (72 percent) and prevent a decline in productivity (71 percent).
Despite the hesitance of most office workers to telecommute, most have favorable impressions of working outside the office. Eighty percent of respondents believe that current technology allows them to remain just as connected to the office, while half feel that a different environment actually makes them more productive.
"The lines between work and life are continuing to blur and at an increasing pace," said Chris Congdon, Manager, Corporate Marketing, of Steelcase. `"Office workers view telecommuting as a way to be successful in both life and work. Employees appreciate companies that allow them to strike a balance, and if done well, the company can reap the rewards as well."
And workers agree. Whereas most respondents believe their company prefers them in the office, over 50 percent feel that companies promoting telecommuting will be more successful than companies that do not endorse it. Over 80 percent of respondents believe that working away from the office increases morale for employees and reduces staff turnover.
Of those who do telecommute, an overwhelming 98 percent do so from the comfort of their home. Over half stay in touch by email, while about a third of telecommuters communicate via the telephone.
Additional survey findings include:
80 percent of respondents believe telecommuting is a trend that will continue to grow over the next five years.
32 percent of respondents telecommute.
46 percent of respondents' companies allow them to telecommute.
62 percent of respondents believe companies prefer them in the office to prevent a lack of communication; 41 percent believe it is because of the cost of the technology involved.
61 percent of telecommuters do so to balance their family and work life, and 37 percent do so to reduce their carbon footprint. The Steelcase Workplace Index Surveys address pertinent issues in today's work environment. Results of additional parts in the Nature of Work series examine social networking, naps in the office and romance at work. Past surveys have covered office gossip, exercise on the job and workplace interaction between generations."

New Paint Program coming from HON and Sherwin-Williams

2008-07-02T04:22:00.001-07:00

The HON Company and Sherwin-Williams Offer New Color ProgramWednesday July 2, 2008

The HON Company is working with Sherwin-Williams to offer a high-tech color matching system on all metal casegoods and desk products. Through the new ColorCorrect program, designers and end-users have the option to chose from 42 fashion-forward, industry-standard colors or specify any custom-matched color they choose.
"Through this exciting partnership we now can match any color you like from wall paint to artwork, or even your favorite sweater," said Fred Colony, vice president of metal casegoods. "If you want one unit in a custom color, or 100 units, we can create your customized paint color for any quantity."
The ColorCorrect program offers three different levels - an expanded offering of HON's core colors, the choice of industry standards and custom colors for an endless array design options. The precisely matched customized color will be applied using Sherwin-Williams' durable PermaClad coating, which provides rich color, a tough mar-resistant finish and high gloss.
"It's the perfect partnership," says Andy Maguire, vice president of marketing at Sherwin-Williams Chemical Coatings Division, "HON is the expert in furniture. We are experts in paint color. We're bringing them the color ingredients for their high-quality products. It's attractive to designers and architects, who like the latitude to pick from a wide range of colors for commercial interiors."
"We do most of the tinting at our plants so we don't have long lead times for custom matches," Colony says. "And, if we can't make it at the plant, there's always a Sherwin-Williams store nearby to support us to ensure we stay on top of our standard lead times."

NeoCon Best in Show

2008-06-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Herman Miller's new Teneo Storage line won the 2008 Best of NeoCon. http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Product/0,,a10-c440-p254,00.html
http://www.fmlink.com/News/Articles/news.cgi?display=article&id=24430

It is designed to be used in open group environments, and is flexible in that the surfaces can be replaced to match surrounding product (I'm guessing that would be surrounding Herman Miller product...dunno, I don't profess to know much of anything about Herman Miller.)

I think this is a nice looking product, and reminds me of izzy's Audrey line (http://www.izzydesign.com/product_detail.asp?Minor_Cat_ID=119), just on a smaller scale and with wheels.

Boo Big Box Stores...

2008-06-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

...except for their good prices on diapers and wipes.

Staples Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire Corporate Express NV for $4.8 billion.
Corporate Express, a Dutch company that delivers office supplies directly to businesses, unanimously approved the cash offer by Staples to pay $14.30 per share. Corporate Express is the largest office supply company in the D.C. area, according to the Washington Business Journal. The company reported $169 million in local sales in 2006.
The agreement ends months of Staples' attempts to takeover Corporate Express, which has now terminated its merger agreement with Lyreco.
In the agreement with Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS), announced Wednesday, Corporate Express' CEO Peter Ventress will become president of Staples International, a new position that will oversee Staples' business outside of the United States and Canada; he will report to Ron Sargent, Staples' president and CEO.
Ventress will play a key part in managing the integration of the two companies going forward, according to a Staples statement.
"We believe that this offer is a good one for our shareholders and we recommend it wholeheartedly," said Ventress.
The combination of Staples and Corporate Express is expected to create significant benefits for the combined company's shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders, Staples said. The move will help boost contract business for Staples in Europe and Canada, while fueling Staples' North American Delivery business in the United States, which is currently Staples' fastest growing and most profitable business unit.
The move will also extend Staples' geographic reach to Australia and New Zealand.
Staples, an office supplies retailer, is based in Framingham, Mass. It reached $19.4 billion in sales in 2007.
The companies' collective businesses, as of the end of each company's 2007 fiscal year, had annual revenues of $27 billion with more than 94,000 associates serving customers in 28 countries.

Izzy Press Release - New Aquisitions

2008-06-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Not sure how this will play out yet with what stays and what is discontinued. But we are big fans of Izzy so we are hoping for good things.

For Immediate Release
izzy completes acquisition of Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating and ABCO brands
Transaction approved by JSJ Corporation and Jami Inc. shareholders
SPRING LAKE, Mich. – June 2, 2008 – izzy and its parent company JSJ Corporation have completed the acquisition of Jami Inc. and its four furniture brands: Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating and ABCO Office Furniture.
Chuck Saylor, founder and president of izzy, will oversee the izzy business as chairman and chief executive officer. Gregg Masenthin, previously president and chief executive officer of Jami Inc., will serve as president of izzy. Other members of the senior management team include Joan Hill, chief operating officer; Jeff Stutz, chief financial officer; Peter Greene, vice president of design; Dan Vukcevich, vice president of brand strategy; and David Mettlach, vice president of engineering.
Harter specializes in higher design management, conference and executive seating and tables. Fixtures Furniture’s niche is stack seating and multi-purpose tables for education, healthcare and corporate spaces. Zoom Seating offers mid-market ergonomic task seating, while ABCO Office Furniture focuses on modular furniture, computer furniture, and conference and training tables.
Each of the four brands new to izzy will continue to pursue its independent brand position, focused on market segments with established customer relationships. Sales will be managed on the brand level.
"We’re incredibly excited to begin this journey together for the long term," says Saylor. "Our message to our customers and to the marketplace is that today each of these brands will continue to deliver on their individual brand promises, focusing on product solutions that add value for their customers. Individually, we offer great people, design and manufacturing centers of excellence. Together, we can combine these strengths for even greater growth."
"We value the strategic business support available from izzy and JSJ, which will help us continue to grow and develop these brands," says Masenthin. "This is a unique collaborative opportunity to push ourselves to the next level, and I look forward to exploring our greater potential as part of the same organization."
izzy and JSJ Corporation announced they had executed a letter of intent to purchase Jami Inc. on April 25, 2008.
About izzy
izzy combines simple, affordable furniture and seating design with advanced engineering and lean manufacturing capabilities. Its award-winning products are marketed under the brand names izzydesign, HÅG by izzy, Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating and ABCO Office Furniture, with manufacturing and sales operations in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York and Texas. Based in Spring Lake, Mich., U.S., izzy is a business of JSJ Corporation of Grand Haven, Mich., U.S.
END

Price Increases

2008-06-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

June is usually the time of the year for price increases, and here are a few to pass along:

Izzy (from May) up 3%
OFS/First Office up 4%
Studio Q Furniture (formerlly known as Quaker) up 4%

And, just announced on Friday, HON will have a major price increase on October 1st of this year. The average increase will be 8.9%. HON has been great in the past in being able to keep their increases in the 2% range, so it is a bit of a surprise to see a number like that. Assume that the most drastic increases will be in steel casegoods, files and systems. But, I'm guessing that it actually brings them in line more with what other manufacturers have done over the past few years when you total everything up. Still, kind of a big jump, so get those orders in now to avoid that increase!

Coming Soon

2008-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Neocon - The National Exposition of Contract Furnishings - is having their World's Trade Fair next month, and we are awaiting the debut of many new products.

http://www.neocon.com/index.html

As soon as we get info on what new and exciting things the manufacturers have to offer, I'll post it here. Keep checking!

HON Award winners - F3 and Initiate

2008-05-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/ofda/issues/2008-05-02/5.html

Congrats to HON on their most recent awards - the F3 and Initiate panel system both received Platinum honors in the ADEX competition. More detail in the above link.

Office Workouts

2008-04-21T05:26:00.001-07:00

I have to say, I may try working these ideas into my work day...

http://officeworkout.msn.com/?GT1=25043

Sorry about the ads in the link, but worth the wait I think. Any little thing that can be added into the workday to help keep our bodies "finely-tuned" can only help...

Space Savers

2008-04-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

As stated in the article I posted yesterday, the industry is going to be increasing prices to reflect the state of the economy (inflation, higher costs on raw materials, etc.) In reality, the industry has been regularly raising prices to reflect rising costs for the past few years, so it isn't that much of a surprise. But as the cost continue to rise, the pinch is felt by the end user in what they can actually fit in their offices now. The move towards flexible furniture items, to act as a "multi-tasking" unit, is gaining steam. We've seen these pieces in the past, like with HON's Flagship tower workstations http://www.hon.com/Products/Files---Storage/Peninsula-Workstation-(1954).aspx, and I'm guessing we'll see more and more lines like this.

Izzy has come out with "a hybrid collection of storage cabinets that gives you the best aspects of traditional casegoods along with the best of modular casework" in their new Audrey line http://www.izzydesign.com/product_detail.asp?Minor_Cat_ID=119#. It is a freestanding unit that can be configured in a number of ways to provide all types of storage, additional worksurface space and in some cases, room dividing privacy (it isn't going to replace a panel system in this manner, but again, by combining storage and height, you are multi-tasking your furniture!)

From MMQB to my inbox to you...

2008-04-14T03:38:00.000-07:00

I would guess that most knew this was coming...

Inflation, High Material Prices Hitting Office Furniture Makers
Friday April 11, 2008
by Rob Kirkbride

Attention U.S. businesses: Get ready to pay a little more for office furniture.

Major players in the industry are raising prices as they try to cope with skyrocketing raw material costs.

Steel, plastics, aluminum and fuel all are on the rise and prices are going up in response.

Herman Miller said Wednesday it would increase list prices by about 3 percent, effective Aug. 4. Sources say Haworth announced a price increase last week. The privately held company would not confirm whether it raised prices or not.

HNI Corp. said it is considering more price increases due to cost pressures. The company has already raised some prices but might make more increases due to the increasing expense for steel and fuel, among other costs, Treasurer Marshall Bridges told Reuters.

And although Steelcase hasn't announced a price increase yet, it hinted during a recent conference call with investors and analysts that a price hike was coming.

Trendway Corp. raised prices in January, but President Bill Bundy suggested that it might not be enough to cover additional costs for the company.

Blame the price hikes on the soaring cost of commodities. Steel is up by about 40 percent since the beginning of the year. And Herman Miller executives recently warned that the rising price of commodities will cost the company between $25 million and $30 million more during its next fiscal year.

Small and mid-sized manufacturers are being hit even harder because their volume prevents them from tying up long term prices for steel.

This is one price increase that customers likely will understand, even if they don't like it, said industry analyst Brian Bascom of Velocity Partners.

"Many companies are already paying fuel surcharges for other raw materials. Customers are well aware of costs rising," he said.

Core commodities are on the rise across the board. And they are hitting the office furniture industry hard.

Larger manufacturers generally have structured contracts in place for raw materials. But for Herman Miller and others, the contracts and locked in prices are ready to expire.

"Some companies are in better position than others when it comes to those contracts with prices for raw materials locked in," Bascom said. "Others are seeing a reduction in profitability because they aren't locked in. Those costs directly hit the bottom line."

Commodities aren't the only cause for concern.

Companies that buy furniture or parts from Europe also are taking a hit on the exchange rate. Still, that blow is softened because U.S. manufacturers have an advantage if they are selling products into Europe for the same reason.

The financial sector also continues to be worrisome. For most large manufacturers, about 3 percent to 6 percent of their business is with large banks and mortgage companies. Job cuts and consolidation in that industry hurts, but so far, the damage has been limited. Steelcase told investors and analysts that its financial and insurance sector business was down during the last quarter.

Some smaller furniture makers that focus almost entirely on the financial sector are suffering as well after years of strong and steady sales.

"Those companies are having to shift gears and focus on other parts of the professional furnishings industry," Bascom said. "Some industries like professional services and tech are in good shape. Healthcare and higher education are a given and continue to drive significant growth in the industry."

The result of all the glum financial news is more pressure on the companies that were already struggling. Some like Rosemount have already gone out of business. Others are looking for a buyer.

"We see a vast increase in consolidation," Bascom said. "Higher commodity prices are going to continue to take their toll on the smaller, less capitalized firms. We're going to see more companies sold or ready to close their doors."

Inside info

2008-04-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing about furniture in this post either (I'm just working out some thoughts from yesterday, so bear with me.)

I just want to congratulate Jim Cahill and Dan Wallace from The HON Company on their recent promotions. The chances of them reading this are nil, but I just wanted to say that off all the good things HON does as a company, this may be the best decision they've made in a long time. Both Jim and Dan are fantastic people and already run successful departments within HON. By adding these new responsibilities, I can't wait to see the direction they take HON in. Congrats to both Jim and Dan, and congrats to HON for recognizing their talents!

As a side note...

2008-04-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

I mentioned below about going to the Nats game, and I pleasantly surprised to find our seats had a cushion. With my back the way it was Sunday night, that cushion came in very handy...

If you get the chance to go down to the stadium, take advantage. The place is incredible. I love RFK for what it is, but the new stadium is a much better game day experience (the ONLY down side is that the stands weren't bouncing when Zimmerman hit the walk-off. RFK would have been hopping.)

I'm not going to link to it, but there was an article in the Post Style section yesterday that wasn't too flattering regarding the stadium. I just have to say that I completely disagree with the focus of that article. So what if the exterior isn't up to your high architectural standards? The interior is what really matters, and the District and the Lerners did a heck of a job on creating a beautiful ball park.

Ergonomics

2008-03-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to the Washington Nationals home opener tonight, and while I can't wait to see the brand new stadium (for the second time - I went last week and the place is incredible) from our regular seats, I am dreading sitting there for several hours in the cold with my back feeling the way it does this morning. There will be a lot of stretching going on prior to heading out tonight...

And while I can get up and walk around at the stadium to help alleviate the pain from sitting, I don't have any other active ergonomic options to help. I cannot adjust anything about the seat: the height, the angle, the depth, etc. I'm stuck with what they give me, so to speak. But in the office, I have options. We talk quite a bit about active and passive ergonomic features in discussing furniture with end users, and most of them are self explanatory.

Here is a link to a blog dedicated to ergonomics:

http://ergonomics.about.com/

It is a bit more broad in scope than just focusing on the workplace, but there is some interesting info and insight on there.

If you want to look into "what is ergonomics?" I suggest starting with the wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics

And from Allsteel (a division of HNI and a sister company to HON and Gunlocke, among others) here is a link to their Knowledge Center and some more in depth info on how ergonomics relate to the office, and some solutions furniture manufacturers can provide.

http://www.allsteeloffice.com/AllsteelOffice/Knowledge+Center/Ergonomics/ - go into the right hand block for more links

HON gets a new baby sister

2008-03-18T02:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.hbf.com/default.aspx

(From a press release)

HNI Corporation to buy HBF
Monday March 17, 2008

HNI Corporation announced Monday that it has signed an agreement to purchase HBF, a subsidiary of Furniture Brands International, Inc. HBF, headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, is a leading provider of premium upholstered seating, textiles, wood tables, and wood case goods for the office environment. The company has annual sales in excess of $60 million.

The acquisition is expected to close in two to four weeks, subject to satisfactory completion of closing conditions and regulatory approval. HNI intends to finance the $75 million purchase price with its existing credit facilities. The acquisition is expected to add to earnings.

HBF, led by President Charlie Bell and the current management team, will continue to operate as a focused, stand-alone entity with a unique brand position and strategy. The company's emphasis on quality, new products, design, and brand building will also continue.

"HBF is an outstanding business, but it does not fit our strategic focus on the residential consumer market," said Furniture Brands International Chief Executive Officer Ralph P. Scozzafava. "HNI is a well-respected company in the office and commercial segment of our industry, and it will be a perfect 'home' for HBF and its talented associates. This divestiture will contribute to the steady strengthening of our balance sheet and enable us to focus on our core consumer brands," Mr. Scozzafava continued.

"We're excited about HBF joining the HNI family. Its unique premium brand, design heritage, strong designer relationships, and differentiated business model make it a great fit with our existing structure and brand portfolio. We look forward to working with the entire HBF team and leveraging HNI's lean enterprise and overall office furniture expertise to achieve greater efficiencies, customer performance, and profitable growth," said Stan Askren, Chairman, President and CEO of HNI Corporation.

"This divestiture will contribute to the steady strengthening of our balance sheet and enable us to focus on our core consumer brands," Mr. Scozzafava continued.

My new favorite fabric

2008-03-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it is actually an old favorite about which I just learned something new. The pattern is called Hue, and it is from Momentum Textiles https://www.themomgroup.com/

It is a solid color pattern, with a smooth feel, and it also happens to be one of the most durable fabrics that manufacturers can user on their seating lines. It has an abrasion test count of 1,000,000 rubs, yet in almost every manufacturer's grade-in pricing, is considered a middle level priced fabric.

What I just learned last week was that this pattern is made of 100% recycled material. It is also bio gradable, meaning it will leave a much smaller footprint than some other fabrics (those chairs will last a "lifetime", but eventually they have to go bye-bye...) There are also 5 other Momentum fabrics I found last week that have the same qualities: Chi, Enviro, Jay, Novo and Rebound.

And Hue is also available (as a higher grade fabric) as a health care fabric. It is treated with GORE Seating Protection, which is from the inventor of Gore-Tex fabric http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/what-is-gore-tex

Quoting the back of the HON Healthcare Performance Textiles swatch card: "This technology includes an anti-microbial, soil and stain-resistant topical treatment to extend the life of the fabric's surface. The GORE moisture barrier prevents stains and other substances from penetrating upholstery fabrics and from reaching the foam cushion, extending the life of the furniture." So basically, you are getting a waterproof fabric that is extremely durable and still as comfortable as the Hue fabric alone.

Father Time, meet your new co-worker, Baby New Year

2008-03-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

Baby Boomers are working longer, past "retirement-age" or part-time in retirement. Generation Y is gaining ground in the workplace, and the wave is just starting to gain steam. There are about 70 million "Gen Y'ers" in total, and they are bringing some interesting changes to the office, maybe some those Baby Boomers aren't anticpating (http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2005-11-06-gen-y_x.htm)

One of the changes we are seeing is what's expected in a personal workspace. Established workers tend aim for bigger workstations with plenty of storage, and focus on location of offices, the lighting, noise control and things that can affect their workday; This new generation of workers is more comfortable in collaborative work environments, relying on electronic data, having almost unlimited access around the clock and from anywhere to e-mail, texting and face-to-face meetings, and to getting things finished in less than ideal conditions.
http://www.allsteeloffice.com/NR/rdonlyres/E7553C90-F6F0-4C62-8224-031D8DE6CC82/0/allsteel_generational_paper.pdf

As a result, offices really have to be all things to all workers, and there are some big challenges in getting that to work. For example, trying to balance privacy and team work areas, and providing WiFi and access to current technology without sacrificing productivity and employee morale are becoming pressing needs for office and facilities managers.

http://www.buildings.com/articles/detail.aspx?contentID=2605

Landscaping

2008-02-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

Revisiting the "Going Green" blog for a sec, there was a nice article in the Post this weekend about Discovery Channel going with an all-green channel http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/24/AR2008022401748.html, and the accompanying diagram regarding a green building was interesting http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2008/02/25/GR2008022500162.html?sid=ST2008022500790

My question is, if you plant grass, trees, bushes and flowers on the roof, who has to go mow, rake, mulch and de-bud? I have yet to see a lawn mower in an elevator, but I guess it might not be too shocking in the future...

File that under...

2008-02-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

Vertical or Lateral? Need new files and aren't sure what's best?

It helps to try and answer a few questions: are you concerned with floor space or filing space? Do you need the file to act as a support for a piece of peripheral equipment? Do you favor the designated hitter rule? Okay, so the last question doesn't really matter that much, but it does say something about you as a baseball fan...

Anyway, comparing files with the same number of drawers shows that vertical files take up less floor space but have fewer filing inches. Take a 28" deep x 15" wide 2 drawer letter-size vertical file (the deepest vertical): there are 26-1/2 inches of filing per drawer, front-to-back. Now look at a 30" wide x 19-1/4" deep 2 drawer lateral file. That unit has 28 1/2 inches of filing per drawer, side-to-side. Not a big difference, but still more. And based on what I see most often in an office, that size is rarely used. Normally we place a 36" wide lateral, which can file either front-to-back or side-to-side. The 36" lateral has 34-1/2 inches per drawer side-to-side, and if you go front-to-back, you can get two rows of almost 18 inches deep filing in each drawer, or 36 inches per drawer.

Add in the fact that more printers and fax machines will fit on top of the lateral file, it may be a better option for your office. Moving the peripherals off your desk worksurfaces is a big space saver (just make sure you have long cords...)

Protect your investment

2008-02-19T04:18:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what you should use to clean your office furniture? There may be slight variances between manufacturers, but in general you could follow the instructions on HON's care page:

http://www.honcustomerservice.com/productcare.aspx

And what about protecting the furniture before you even take delivery? Could be something as simple as making sure to get a laminate surface on a wood desk if you have a high traffic area. For your office chair you can make sure you get a fabric that is treated with a teflon like substance, or select a fabric that has a backing that prevents liquids from getting to the foam. Check out Crypton's web page for more info on the latter:

http://www.cryptonfabric.com/about-crypton-fabric/global_category.do

Going Green?

2008-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Nice article on MSN.com about bamboo flooring. Have seen this used in a Firehouse - looks good, even with the high traffic nature of the building. Replaceable tiles is a nice feature.

http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Green/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=6229250&GT1=10932

Office furniture companies are working on engineering their products towards a "green" work environment. HON has a nice site explaining their use of kenaf fibers, an annually renewable product, in their panels.

http://www.honthinksgreen.com/getdoc/c9069402-3499-4466-b7b9-7be9ab8e6501/Landing.aspx

There are some companies out there that certify various items that go into the construction and design of offices. Good info at their sites as well.

http://www.scscertified.com/iaq/indooradvantage.html

http://www.greenguard.org/

Here's some info on how fabric companies are getting into the act.

http://www.cryptonfabric.com/crypton-fabric-trade/about.do?wtabId=3

White Noise

I'm about halfway to the middle panel

Re-Designing the cubicle?

It's a Major Award!

U.S. Navy has Awarded HON a Major BPA

U.S. Navy has Awarded HON a Major BPA

THE HON COMPANY WINS MAJOR SLICE OF U.S. NAVY BUSINESS

HON GSA Contract Extension

Preside and Voi from HON

Congrats to the 2 Million Mile Man

Is there too much of "you" in your office?

Voi-la?

The Shrinking Cubible Caper...

Steelcase in higher education

Follow up on Extreme Makeover last night

Fun children's furniture

HON on Extreme Makeover this coming Sunday

Building Dreams with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Silica - New from Momentum

HON on Extreme Makeover

Saving the Earth one office chair at a time

Because resting on his Swiffer laurels wasn't enough...

Time to get organized?

New HON seating lines

HON Price increase coming soon

ALLSTEEL Adds Soy Resin To Products

Just a quick thought for a rainy Friday

Furniture and Facebook - Match made in Heaven?

Non-common sense?

HON HQ Renovation

February Fun Fact

Cramped Space?

An interesting last minute gift idea...

More on Crypton, INCASE and SilverBan

The HON Company Revitalizes D.C. Showroom

Crypton INCASE press release

Fun with spills

It is the cold and flu season...

LinkedIn

New Crypton blog

Side Access Pedestals require forward thinking

Outdoor Furniture in your future plans?

New Product from OFS and First Office

Vicinity from HON

More NeoCon

NeoCon Preview

Floor sample sale

Spring Cleaning

Interesting Conference Room options

Inaugurial Furniture

izzy stacker gets in the game

New HON website

Buffett's buying...sign of hope?

Price Increases, Again

NeoCon Newness Now - eNjoy

Green goes over my head

Telecommuting? Wasn't me, I was here...

New Paint Program coming from HON and Sherwin-Williams

NeoCon Best in Show

Boo Big Box Stores...

Izzy Press Release - New Aquisitions

Price Increases

Coming Soon

HON Award winners - F3 and Initiate

Office Workouts

Space Savers

From MMQB to my inbox to you...

Inside info

As a side note...

Ergonomics

HON gets a new baby sister

My new favorite fabric

Father Time, meet your new co-worker, Baby New Year

Landscaping

File that under...

Protect your investment

Going Green?

THE HON COMPANY WINS MAJOR SLICE OF

U.S. NAVY BUSINESS