All the main players in the cubicle manufacturing field have an active PR department churning out news from one month to the next. These press releases are a great way for customers to learn about innovative products and thought-provoking corporate initiatives. What are some of the cubicle company giants up to right now? Here’s a quick overview of some of the most recent news:
Teknion is teaming up with Powermat to integrate wireless charging technology with office furniture. For example, the Conflux Adjustable Task Light has a Powermat base. The lamp provides lighting and a charging station for various types of handheld devices. The Edgemount is a charging surface that can be attached to the edge of a cubicle worksurface to provide a convenient charging station for Blackberry devices, cell phones, and more.
This company is restructuring by reducing the number of plants operating in the United States – but without reducing production. 3 manufacturing facilities are being closed. The decision will probably cost about $45 million total over the short term. However, Steelcase anticipates annual savings of $35 million once the restructuring is complete.
This company is making great strides in BIFMA Product Sustainability certification. As of their last update, Haworth had achieved level 1 or 2 certification for 39 products. Sustainability is measured based on criteria such as energy usage, materials, and impacts on humans and the environment. These evaluations are carried out by an independent certifying agency to ensure accuracy.
Knoll is earning recognition with several GOOD DESIGN™ Awards. The Chicago Athenauem (an architecture and design museum) singled out Antenna Workspaces™, the MultiGeneration hybrid chair, and the Knoll Luxe Rodarte upholstery patterns as deserving of praise in 2010 for innovation and creativity.
This company has issued its annual “Better World” report for 2010 showing an upward trend in supplier diversity. Herman Miller also achieved 100% green electrical energy credits for its operations all over the globe. The cubicle company has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For three years in a row now. It’s not surprising that the company’s highly engaged employees logged over 13,500 volunteer hours serving their local communities.
