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{{short description|Office furniture company}} |
{{short description|Office furniture company}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name |
| name = Haworth Inc. |
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| logo |
| logo = Haworth Logo.jpg |
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| type |
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
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| fate = |
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| fate = |
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| location_country = United States |
| location_country = United States |
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| locations |
| locations = 75 |
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| area_served |
| area_served = Worldwide |
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| key_people |
| key_people = {{ubl|Matthew R. Haworth ([[chairman]])|Franco Bianchi ([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}} |
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| industry |
| industry = Office furniture |
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| products |
| products = {{ubl|Compose|Fern chair|Enclose Walls|Openest Lounge|Haworth Collection}} |
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| services |
| services = |
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| revenue |
| revenue = US$1.96 Billion (2021) |
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| net_income |
| net_income = |
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| assets |
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| owner |
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| num_employees |
| num_employees = 7,500 |
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| parent |
| parent = |
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| divisions |
| divisions = {{ubl|North America|Europe|Asia/Pacific}} |
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| homepage |
| homepage = {{URL|haworth.com}} |
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| footnotes = |
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| footnotes =,<ref name="forbes-2019-12">[https://www.forbes.com/companies/haworth forbes.com, ''Haworth'' (end of 2019)], retrieved at 18 January 2021.</ref><ref name=bio>{{cite web |url=http://www.haworth.com/en-us/About-Us/Documents/Haworth-Corporate-One-Page.pdf |title=Haworth Bio |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616135540/http://www.haworth.com/en-us/About-Us/Documents/Haworth-Corporate-One-Page.pdf |archivedate=2012-06-16 }}</ref> |
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'''Haworth Inc.''' is a privately held, family-owned office furniture manufacturer headquartered in [[Holland, Michigan]], United States. Founded in 1948 by [[G. W. Haworth]], the company designs and manufactures seating, tables, movable walls, panels, storage, and wood [[casegoods]]. Haworth's furniture pieces, combined with interior design and technology, are intended to create a focus on "organic workspaces that help people perform their best."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Rachel |date=2021-03-24 |title=Haworth sees 19% drop in sales in 2020 |url=https://grbj.com/news/manufacturing/haworth-sees-19-drop-in-sales-in-2020/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=Grand Rapids Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> Haworth employs 7,500 workers and has 650 dealerships in more than 120 countries.<ref name=":0" /> 2021 global sales reached $1.96 billion, a 6.2-percent increase from 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bussa |first=Jayson |title=Haworth global sales improve, inch back to pre-pandemic levels |url=https://mibiz.com/sections/manufacturing/haworth-global-sales-improve-inch-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=mibiz.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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'''Haworth Inc.''' is a privately held, family-owned office furniture manufacturer headquartered in [[Holland, Michigan]], United States. Founded in 1948 by [[G. W. Haworth]], the company designs and manufactures adaptable workspaces, including movable walls, systems furniture, seating, storage, and wood [[casegoods]]. Haworth serves markets in more than 120 countries through 650 dealers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grbj.com/articles/89877-furniture-maker-issuing-5m-in-bonuses |title=Furniture maker issuing $5M in bonuses {{!}} 2018-01-26 {{!}} Grand Rapids Business Journal |website=www.grbj.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126202521/http://www.grbj.com/articles/89877-furniture-maker-issuing-5m-in-bonuses |archive-date=2018-01-26}} </ref> In 2017, Haworth's worldwide sales were US$2.04 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/02/haworth_2017_sales_surpass_2b.html|title=Haworth 2017 sales surpass $2B|work=MLive.com|access-date=2018-08-26|language=en-US}}</ref> Haworth employs nearly 7,500 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/20180214/haworth-sales-over-2-billion-in-2017|title=Haworth sales over $2 billion in 2017}}</ref> in 20 wholly owned factories and 55 sales offices. |
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==Brands/companies== |
==Brands/companies== |
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Haworth's brand portfolio includes Italian design brands [[Poltrona Frau]], [[Cassina S.p.A.|Cassina]], and Cappellini; technology software [[Bluescape]]; and outdoor furniture maker JANUS et Cie.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Stoller |first=Kristin |title=This 73-Year-Old Office Furniture Company Is Betting On Yachts, Cars And The Office Return |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinstoller/2021/03/14/this-73-year-old-office-furniture-company-is-betting-on-yachts-cars-and-the-office-return/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> The Haworth Health Environments brand offers healthcare furniture. Haworth also owns shares in BuzziSpace, a Belgium-based company focusing on acoustic and collaborative workspace.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-26 |title=Steve Symons, CEO BuzziSpace, explains the partnership with Haworth. |url=https://wow-webmagazine.com/steve-symons-ceo-buzzispace-explains-the-partnership-with-haworth |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=WOW! (Ways Of Working) webmagazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Haworth's brands include [[Bluescape]], [[Poltrona Frau]], [[Cassina S.p.A.|Cassina]], [[Cappellini]], JANUS et Cie, Tuohy and Haworth Health Environments. |
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Haworth owns share in BuzziSpace, a Belgium based company focusing acoustical products, lighting, and furniture.<ref>{{Cite web |work= Press release |title= BuzziSpace & Haworth Announce Global Collaboration |url= https://www.haworth.com/na/en/news/media-room/buzzispace-haworth-announce-global-collaboration.html |access-date= August 16, 2021 |date= October 22, 2018 }}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===1940s–70s=== |
===1940s–70s=== |
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During the 1940s, while teaching Industrial Arts at [[Holland High School (Michigan)|Holland High School]], G.W. Haworth started a woodworking shop as a hobby in his garage. His intention was to increase the income for his children's future college education by |
During the 1940s, while teaching Industrial Arts at [[Holland High School (Michigan)|Holland High School]], G.W. Haworth started a woodworking shop as a hobby in his garage. His intention was to increase the income for his children's future college education by producing and selling special-order wood products.<ref>International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 39. St. James Press, 2001</ref> As his reputation and orders grew, he expanded to a 4,800-square-foot plant in Holland, Michigan and decided to turn his sideline into a full-time business, launching Modern Products in 1948.<ref name="70 Years Haworth">{{Cite web |title=Haworth: A History |url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/Art/Metropolis-Magazine/Haworth-A-History |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=www.magzter.com |language=en}}</ref> In the 1950s, the focus of Modern Products shifted toward office environments in response to the development of modular office partitions, and the company changed its name to Modern Partitions.<ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> |
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In 1961, G.W.’s teenage son, Dick Haworth, began working at the family business, sweeping floors and operating plant machinery. By 1964, he was an assistant sales manager, and within two years he was promoted to vice president for research and development. When he left in 1966 to serve in the U.S. Army, the company had 90 employees and annual sales of $2 million. When Dick returned from his military service in 1969, he assumed responsibility for manufacturing and new product development. His goal was to produce a new type of office furniture — the office module system.<ref>"[https://www.grbj.com/articles/61229 Lifetime Achievement Dick Haworth]" Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2002-6-21</ref> “My father ended up going to a hardware store, getting a lot of bits and pieces and dumping them on a table — and inventing the prewired partition. Right as he developed it, the personal computer came to the office, and we boomed!” said Chairman Matthew Haworth, Dick's son.<ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> |
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In |
In 1976, G.W.'s son, Dick Haworth, took over as president and CEO. Under Dick's leadership, the company's name changed to Haworth and focused exclusively on contract office furniture. Dick invented the first cubicle wall panels with internal wiring.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Richard Haworth Prefers Not To Take Stock |url=https://www.forbes.com/2000/09/30/0930people.html |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> These panels could be snapped together and eliminated the client's need to pay electricians to wire office spaces.<ref name=":1" /> In 1977, Haworth International Inc. was formed to set up foreign licenses for the manufacture and marketing of office interior systems. A year later, Haworth opened a national showroom in [[Chicago]]'s [[Merchandise Mart]].<ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> |
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===1980–2000: Rise and expansion=== |
===1980–2000: Rise and expansion=== |
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During the next two decades, Haworth developed |
During the next two decades, Haworth developed and patented a number of industry innovations, including panel-to-panel cabling systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Richard G. Haworth Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search |url=https://patents.justia.com/inventor/richard-g-haworth |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=patents.justia.com}}</ref> In the early 1980s, the company moved its headquarters to One Haworth Center in Holland, while showrooms were open or renovated in 18 North American cities and four international locations. Office seating was also added to the Haworth product offering being built in [[Holland, Michigan]]. By 1986, Haworth had become the third-largest office furniture manufacturer in the U.S., with sales topping $300 million and a workforce of 2,600 employees.<ref name="70 Years Haworth" /> |
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By 1986, Haworth had become the third-largest office furniture manufacturer in the U.S., with sales topping $300 million and a workforce of 2,600 employees.<ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> Along with the popular panels, products include office chairs, filing cabinets, and fabrics. Later in the 1980s, Haworth pursued an aggressive expansion in North America, Europe, and Asia. In 1988, Haworth became a global company, undertaking a strategic expansion.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/11/dick_haworth_tells_story_of_hi.html "Dick Haworth tells story of his family business"] MLive.com 2010-11-3</ref> The business acquired 15 companies in Europe and North America, then built in Asia to expand its sales and dealer network. The reported $30 million acquisition of West German seating manufacturer Comforto GmbH made Haworth a multinational corporation, with factories in Germany and Switzerland.<ref>"[http://articles.latimes.com/1988-08-17/business/fi-432_1_office-furniture-haworth Office Furniture Maker Buys W. German Company]" Los Angeles Times 1988-08-17</ref> The first office to open outside the U.S. was in London. |
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“As a company, we manufacture in the markets where we sell our products,” Chairman Emeritus Dick Haworth said. “Our plants in China aren’t there to supply the North American marketplace, because they supply the Asian market. It means we have high-quality jobs in all of the markets that we are involved in.” <ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> The company grew dramatically in the 1990s with the acquisition office and business furniture makers around the globe such as Mueller Furniture Co., Kinetics, and Lunstead. Haworth almost quadrupled in size in the early 1990s, while the percentage of income spent on sales, administrative, and other expenses went down significantly. By 1990, Haworth had 4,240 employees and $600 million in sales.<ref name="fundinguniverse.com"/> The next year, it reorganized into four regions: North America, Europe, the Middle East/Africa, and the Asia Pacific & Central America/South America. In 1992, Dick's son, Matthew Haworth, formally joined the team as a dealer associate — the same year Haworth became the first furniture manufacturer to achieve ISO 9001 certification. Haworth reached $1 billion in annual revenue in 1994. In 1995, the company's Ideation Group formed, applying user-based research to breakthrough concepts and products such as Crossings, Irrigator, Flo, Eddy, Drift, and Wake. That same year, 30 percent of sales come from overseas. |
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In 1996 competitor [[Steelcase]] was found at fault in a patent infringement suit brought by Haworth in 1985. Steelcase was ordered to pay $211.5 million in damages and interest.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503EFD61030F932A05751C1A960958260 | work=The New York Times | title=$211.5 Million Award in Patent Lawsuit | date=1996-12-31}}</ref> |
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In 1997, manufacturing expanded with production at its Shanghai plant. Over a 10-year period, the company acquired 25 companies in Europe, North America, and Asia. Dick Haworth developed a lengthy process of getting to know possible acquisition targets. He explained his system in an article he authored for the January/February 1995 Mergers & Acquisitions magazine, detailing how his firm sometimes worked for five or six years with companies it hoped to buy, moving cautiously toward formal acquisition talks. For Haworth, the long period of getting to know the target company paid off. |
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In 1988, Haworth became a global company after undertaking a strategic expansion.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/11/dick_haworth_tells_story_of_hi.html "Dick Haworth tells story of his family business"] MLive.com 2010-11-3</ref> The business acquired 15 companies in Europe and North America, then built in Asia to expand its sales and dealer network. In 1995, the company's Ideation Group formed, applying user-based research to concepts and products.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Evink |first=Janis R. |last2=Beam |first2=Henry H. |date=1999-01-01 |title=Just what is an ideation group? |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007681399800512 |journal=Business Horizons |language=en |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=73–78 |doi=10.1016/S0007-6813(99)80051-2 |issn=0007-6813}}</ref> In 1996, competitor [[Steelcase]] was found at fault in a patent infringement suit brought by Haworth in 1985. Steelcase was ordered to pay $211.5 million in damages and interest.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503EFD61030F932A05751C1A960958260 | work=The New York Times | title=$211.5 Million Award in Patent Lawsuit | date=1996-12-31}}</ref> |
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In 2000, Haworth passed the $2 billion mark in annual revenues. That same year, Haworth purchased SMED of [[Calgary]].<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/operations/facilities-office-furniture/474528-1.html Haworth to Acquire SMED.] ''Wood & Wood Products.'' 2000-02-01</ref> In 2003, Haworth acquired Interface AR of [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]].<ref>[http://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/SMED_Interface_AR_Take_Haworth_Name.aspx SMED, Interface AR Take Haworth Name] ''Floor Daily.'' 2004-09-20</ref> The acquisitions added raised-access floors and movable walls to its products. In 2004, Haworth announced marketing for plans including more floor plans and types of spaces. The Chicago showroom was LEED-CI Gold-certified.<ref>[http://media.haworth.com/asset/5165 Haworth Sustainability Report], 2006</ref> |
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“We recognized that our deep insight into the physical workplace could be translated into user experience in a virtual workspace,” Dick Haworth said.<ref name="70 Years Haworth"/> |
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The company purchased furniture company [[JANUS et Cie]] for an undisclosed amount in 2016. Through the acquisition, Haworth entered the important segment of outdoor furniture, attaining a global position due to the value of the brand and the size of the company.<ref>{{cite news|title=Haworth Acquires JANUS et Cie|url=http://www.metropolismag.com/design/industrial-design/haworth-acquires-janus-et-cie/|accessdate=11 April 2016|newspaper=Metropolis|date=11 April 2016}}</ref> In 2017, the company's headquarters was given a refresh by Patricia Urquiola and Haworth Collections, which partnered with Pablo Designs and GAN rugs, to improve and support collaborative environments.<ref name="metropolismag.com">"[https://www.metropolismag.com/interiors/workplace-interiors/patricia-urquiola-haworth-office-headquarters/ See Patricia Urquiola’s Colorful Refresh of Haworth’s Michigan Headquarters]" Metropolis 2018-03-28</ref> In 2018, the company hosted the 70th anniversary celebration of Haworth's history of craft, innovation, 400 patents, and inspiring spaces around the world.<ref>"[https://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/20180511/haworth-celebrates-70th-anniversary-with-two-day-event Haworth celebrates 70th anniversary with two-day event]" Holland Sentinel 2018—5–11</ref> |
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== Founder and his family in the company == |
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| ⚫ | In 2000, Haworth passed the $2 billion mark in annual revenues. In 2008, Haworth's new corporate headquarters, a LEED-NC Gold-certified facility, opened to serve as a living lab.<ref>"[http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/05/haworth_officials_believe_thei.html Haworth officials believe their new headquarters will inspire change in workplaces]" MLive.com 2008-05-13</ref> In 2009, Haworth became the first company in the industry to achieve [[zero waste]] to landfill in all U.S. manufacturing facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff report |title=Haworth zero-landfill goal becoming reality |url=https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/2009/12/28/haworth-zero-landfill-goal-becoming/45274987007/ |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=The Holland Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> That same year, Dick Haworth stepped aside and his son, Matthew, then 40, became chairman.<ref name="mlive.com">"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/04/haworths_third_generation_take.html Haworth's third generation takes over as Dick Haworth steps aside]" MLive.com 2009-04-22</ref> |
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Haworth was founded by Gerrard W. Haworth, who began his career as a high school shop teacher at Holland High School after earning a degree in Industrial Arts at [[Western Michigan University]] in 1937 and a master's degree in Educational Administration in 1940. In 1948, while still a shop teacher, he started a woodworking business in Holland, Michigan, to make extra money to send his children to college.<ref>"[https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS794US794&biw=1235&bih=703&ei=y8HqW6HhHcq0tQWbz5yIDQ&q=gw+haworth+bio&oq=gw+haworth+bio&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i160.29139.29754..30262...0.0..0.95.355.4......0....1..gws-wiz.......35i39j0i22i30j33i299.c6d4sSLECVY West Michigan Biography Series: G.W. Haworth]", video</ref> His oldest son, Dick Haworth, started working at his father's company as a teenager when there were just 69 members. Under Dick's leadership, Haworth became a truly global company, expanding globally and becoming one of the three largest office furniture manufacturers in the world.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/11/dick_haworth_tells_story_of_hi.html Dick Haworth tells story of his family business]" MLive.com 2010-11-03</ref> Haworth designs and sells furniture, furniture systems, architectural products, textiles, wall surfaces, and ergonomic and technology tools for workspaces, education, and health care. Haworth also offers workplace consulting services. Franco Bianchi has served as CEO and president of the company since 2005.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxfM6lnUpnU Franco Bianchi Speaks at Seidman College of Business]" video</ref> In 2009, Dick Haworth stepped aside and his son, Matthew, became chairman of the family-owned business.<ref name="mlive.com"/> |
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The company purchased Italian furniture group Poltrona Frau in 2014, gaining a majority stake in several Italian design brands including Cappellini, Cassina, and Poltrona Frau.<ref>{{cite news|title=Haworth buys Poltrona Frau to create major global furniture brand|url=http://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/06/haworth-buys-poltrona-frau-to-create-global-furniture-brand/|accessdate=6 February 2014|newspaper=Dezeen|date=6 February 2014}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In 2013, Bluescape was launched to support virtual work and visual collaboration.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/06/neocon_2013_haworths_high-tech.html NeoCon 2013: Haworth’s high-tech Bluescape creates infinite virtual workspace]" MLive.com 2013-06-07</ref> "We recognized that our deep insight into the physical workplace could be translated into user experience in a virtual workspace," Dick Haworth said.<ref name="70 Years Haworth" /> |
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The company purchased outdoor furniture company [[JANUS et Cie]] for an undisclosed amount in 2016. In 2017, the company's headquarters was given a design refresh by Patricia Urquiola and Haworth Collection, which partnered with Pablo Designs and GAN rugs.<ref name="metropolismag.com">"[https://www.metropolismag.com/interiors/workplace-interiors/patricia-urquiola-haworth-office-headquarters/ See Patricia Urquiola’s Colorful Refresh of Haworth’s Michigan Headquarters]" Metropolis 2018-03-28</ref> |
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== Current leadership == |
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Franco Bianchi has served as CEO and president of the company since 2005.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxfM6lnUpnU Franco Bianchi Speaks at Seidman College of Business]" video</ref> In 2009, Dick Haworth stepped aside and his son, Matthew, became chairman of the family-owned business.<ref name="mlive.com" /> The company's founder, G.W. Haworth, died in 2006 at age 95.<ref>"[https://facilityexecutive.com/2006/10/remembering-the-life-of-gw-haworth-founder-of-haworth-inc/ Remembering The Life Of G.W. Haworth, Founder Of Haworth, Inc]." Facility Executive Magazine, 2006-10-25</ref> |
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==Company culture== |
==Company culture== |
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Haworth issued special bonuses to workers totaling more than $5 million for the company's 70th anniversary in 2018.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/01/haworth_giving_5m_in_bonuses_t.html Haworth giving $5M in bonuses to employees]" MLive.com 2018-01-31</ref> |
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G.W. Haworth referred to his company's employees as members. The family-owned company honored that relationship in 2018 with special bonuses to workers totaling more than $5 million. "The bottom line is this is a thank you to our members in recognition of our 70th anniversary," said Matthew Haworth.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/01/haworth_giving_5m_in_bonuses_t.html Haworth giving $5M in bonuses to employees]" MLive.com 2018-01-31</ref> Haworth invested more than $40 million to reinvent its Holland, Michigan, headquarters in 2018 to create a more work-friendly environment. As part of the transformation, a three-story dramatic atrium that draws natural light deep into the building was added. The facility has become a model in energy-efficiency and sustainability, two important core values for Haworth.<ref>"[http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/05/haworth_officials_believe_thei.html Haworth officials believe their new headquarters will inspire change in workplaces]" MLive.com 2008-05-11</ref> Another example of Haworth's commitment to sustainability was the company becoming the first in the contract furniture industry to achieve zero waste to landfill in all U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2009.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/09/haworth_shows_off_its_zero-was.html Haworth to show off its zero-waste-to-landfill operations at upcoming sustainability workshop]" MLive.com 2012-09-15</ref> |
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CEO Franco Bianchi says the company's culture is about agility and entrepreneurship. “I like to say that I try to run the smallest big company that I can — we’re a very flat organization. There are other companies that have an organizational approach where every decision is made by headquarters. While we do some of that, typically we are more of a network organization than command and control.”<ref>"[https://workdesign.com/2018/09/ceos-talk-workplace-interview-with-haworths-franco-bianchi/ CEOs Talk Workplace – Interview With Haworth’s Franco Bianchi]" Workdesign Magazine 2018-09-27</ref> |
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Haworth became the first in the contract furniture industry to achieve zero waste to landfill in all U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2009.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/09/haworth_shows_off_its_zero-was.html Haworth to show off its zero-waste-to-landfill operations at upcoming sustainability workshop]" MLive.com 2012-09-15</ref> |
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Political donations from Haworth's owners and employees overwhelmingly support Republican candidates and the Republican Party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/totals?id=D000034363|title = Haworth Inc Profile: Totals}}</ref> In 2020, Richard and Ethelyn Haworth donated a combined $500,000 to Charles Koch's [[Americans for Prosperity]] Action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00687103/1427544//sa/ALL|title=Schedule a for ALL Line #'s}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | The company also donated 42 acres of wetland for restoration to Outdoor Discovery Center-Macatawa Greenway's Project Clarity, an organized effort to improve the water quality of Holland's [[Lake Macatawa]].<ref>"[https://mibiz.com/item/25623-project-clarity-leverages-public,-private-support-to-improve-lake-macatawa-watershed Project Clarity leverages public, private support to improve Lake Macatawa watershed]" MiBiz 2018-03-04</ref> |
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Haworth maintains research partnerships with several global partners, including Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and London's Royal College of Art. The company's Human Performance Lab studies the impact of visual distractions on workplace performance. |
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==Noteworthy products/projects== |
==Noteworthy products/projects== |
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Popular Haworth products include its research-backed ergonomic office chairs Fern, Zody, and Very, and Planes Height-Adjustable tables. |
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| ⚫ | [[Spectrum Health]], West Michigan's largest healthcare provider, tapped Haworth to furnish a new kind of doctor's office, |
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| ⚫ | Haworth has partnered with numerous designers, including Patricia Urquiola, a Spanish architect and designer who has been a Haworth collaborator since 2013. Studio Urquiola designed Haworth's Chicago showroom for NeoCon 2013, 2014, and 2015, and gave the company's corporate headquarters a refresh in 2017.<ref name="metropolismag.com" /> |
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| ⚫ | [[Spectrum Health]], West Michigan's largest healthcare provider, tapped Haworth to furnish their idea for a new kind of doctor's office, with the Strive health care office opening in downtown Grand Rapids in 2017. The facility functions as a learning lab for Spectrum to test new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of consumer needs.<ref>"[https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2017/07/spectrum_healths_new_primary_c.html Spectrum Health's new primary care office has a posh residential feel]" MLive.com 2017-08-10</ref> |
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In June 2021, a nearly 2-year project to renovate the Haworth Hotel in Holland was completed. The renovation, funded jointly by Hope College and the Haworth family, was led by designer [[Patricia Urquiola]]. The newly remodeled building is intended to "foster interactions between Hope College staff and students, community members and Haworth guests."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Sentinel |title=Haworth Hotel at Hope College reopens after lengthy remodel |url=https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/business/2021/06/17/haworth-hotel-hope-college-reopens-after-lengthy-remodel/7716874002/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=The Holland Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The headquarters site includes a {{convert|15 |acre||adj=mid| [[prairie restoration]] project}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Kyle |date=2023-08-04 |title=Haworth creating 15 acres of prairie habitat at Holland headquarters |url=https://www.woodtv.com/news/ottawa-county/haworth-creating-15-acres-of-prairie-habitat-at-holland-headquarters/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |work=WOODTV.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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* [http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Haworth-Inc-Company-History.html Funding Universe page about Haworth] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718021527/http://www.haworth.com/en-us/About-Us/Pages/AboutUs.aspx Haworth at a Glance] |
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[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Michigan]] |
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Michigan]] |
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Latest revision as of 11:53, 12 November 2024
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Office furniture |
| Predecessor |
|
| Founded | 1948, in Holland, Michigan, United States |
| Founder | Gerrard Wendell "G. W." Haworth |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 75 |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | |
| Products |
|
| Revenue | US$1.96 Billion (2021) |
Number of employees | 7,500 |
| Divisions |
|
| Website | haworth |
Haworth Inc. is a privately held, family-owned office furniture manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1948 by G. W. Haworth, the company designs and manufactures seating, tables, movable walls, panels, storage, and wood casegoods. Haworth's furniture pieces, combined with interior design and technology, are intended to create a focus on "organic workspaces that help people perform their best."[1] Haworth employs 7,500 workers and has 650 dealerships in more than 120 countries.[1] 2021 global sales reached $1.96 billion, a 6.2-percent increase from 2020.[2]
Brands/companies
[edit]Haworth's brand portfolio includes Italian design brands Poltrona Frau, Cassina, and Cappellini; technology software Bluescape; and outdoor furniture maker JANUS et Cie.[3] The Haworth Health Environments brand offers healthcare furniture. Haworth also owns shares in BuzziSpace, a Belgium-based company focusing on acoustic and collaborative workspace.[4]
History
[edit]1940s–70s
[edit]During the 1940s, while teaching Industrial Arts at Holland High School, G.W. Haworth started a woodworking shop as a hobby in his garage. His intention was to increase the income for his children's future college education by producing and selling special-order wood products.[5] As his reputation and orders grew, he expanded to a 4,800-square-foot plant in Holland, Michigan and decided to turn his sideline into a full-time business, launching Modern Products in 1948.[6] In the 1950s, the focus of Modern Products shifted toward office environments in response to the development of modular office partitions, and the company changed its name to Modern Partitions.[6]
In 1976, G.W.'s son, Dick Haworth, took over as president and CEO. Under Dick's leadership, the company's name changed to Haworth and focused exclusively on contract office furniture. Dick invented the first cubicle wall panels with internal wiring.[7] These panels could be snapped together and eliminated the client's need to pay electricians to wire office spaces.[3] In 1977, Haworth International Inc. was formed to set up foreign licenses for the manufacture and marketing of office interior systems. A year later, Haworth opened a national showroom in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.[6]
1980–2000: Rise and expansion
[edit]During the next two decades, Haworth developed and patented a number of industry innovations, including panel-to-panel cabling systems.[8] In the early 1980s, the company moved its headquarters to One Haworth Center in Holland, while showrooms were open or renovated in 18 North American cities and four international locations. Office seating was also added to the Haworth product offering being built in Holland, Michigan. By 1986, Haworth had become the third-largest office furniture manufacturer in the U.S., with sales topping $300 million and a workforce of 2,600 employees.[6]
In 1988, Haworth became a global company after undertaking a strategic expansion.[9] The business acquired 15 companies in Europe and North America, then built in Asia to expand its sales and dealer network. In 1995, the company's Ideation Group formed, applying user-based research to concepts and products.[10] In 1996, competitor Steelcase was found at fault in a patent infringement suit brought by Haworth in 1985. Steelcase was ordered to pay $211.5 million in damages and interest.[11]
2000 to present: a global focus
[edit]In 2000, Haworth passed the $2 billion mark in annual revenues. In 2008, Haworth's new corporate headquarters, a LEED-NC Gold-certified facility, opened to serve as a living lab.[12] In 2009, Haworth became the first company in the industry to achieve zero waste to landfill in all U.S. manufacturing facilities.[13] That same year, Dick Haworth stepped aside and his son, Matthew, then 40, became chairman.[14]
The company purchased Italian furniture group Poltrona Frau in 2014, gaining a majority stake in several Italian design brands including Cappellini, Cassina, and Poltrona Frau.[15] In 2013, Bluescape was launched to support virtual work and visual collaboration.[16] "We recognized that our deep insight into the physical workplace could be translated into user experience in a virtual workspace," Dick Haworth said.[6] The company purchased outdoor furniture company JANUS et Cie for an undisclosed amount in 2016. In 2017, the company's headquarters was given a design refresh by Patricia Urquiola and Haworth Collection, which partnered with Pablo Designs and GAN rugs.[17]
Current leadership
[edit]Franco Bianchi has served as CEO and president of the company since 2005.[18] In 2009, Dick Haworth stepped aside and his son, Matthew, became chairman of the family-owned business.[14] The company's founder, G.W. Haworth, died in 2006 at age 95.[19]
Company culture
[edit]Haworth issued special bonuses to workers totaling more than $5 million for the company's 70th anniversary in 2018.[20]
Haworth became the first in the contract furniture industry to achieve zero waste to landfill in all U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2009.[21] The company also donated 42 acres of wetland for restoration to Outdoor Discovery Center-Macatawa Greenway's Project Clarity, an organized effort to improve the water quality of Holland's Lake Macatawa.[22]
Haworth maintains research partnerships with several global partners, including Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and London's Royal College of Art. The company's Human Performance Lab studies the impact of visual distractions on workplace performance.
Noteworthy products/projects
[edit]Popular Haworth products include its research-backed ergonomic office chairs Fern, Zody, and Very, and Planes Height-Adjustable tables.
Haworth has partnered with numerous designers, including Patricia Urquiola, a Spanish architect and designer who has been a Haworth collaborator since 2013. Studio Urquiola designed Haworth's Chicago showroom for NeoCon 2013, 2014, and 2015, and gave the company's corporate headquarters a refresh in 2017.[17]
Spectrum Health, West Michigan's largest healthcare provider, tapped Haworth to furnish their idea for a new kind of doctor's office, with the Strive health care office opening in downtown Grand Rapids in 2017. The facility functions as a learning lab for Spectrum to test new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of consumer needs.[23]
In June 2021, a nearly 2-year project to renovate the Haworth Hotel in Holland was completed. The renovation, funded jointly by Hope College and the Haworth family, was led by designer Patricia Urquiola. The newly remodeled building is intended to "foster interactions between Hope College staff and students, community members and Haworth guests."[24]
The headquarters site includes a 15-acre prairie restoration project (6.1 ha).[25]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Watson, Rachel (March 24, 2021). "Haworth sees 19% drop in sales in 2020". Grand Rapids Business Journal. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ Bussa, Jayson. "Haworth global sales improve, inch back to pre-pandemic levels". mibiz.com. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ a b Stoller, Kristin. "This 73-Year-Old Office Furniture Company Is Betting On Yachts, Cars And The Office Return". Forbes. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ "Steve Symons, CEO BuzziSpace, explains the partnership with Haworth". WOW! (Ways Of Working) webmagazine. October 26, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
- ^ International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 39. St. James Press, 2001
- ^ a b c d e "Haworth: A History". www.magzter.com. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ "Richard Haworth Prefers Not To Take Stock". Forbes. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ "Richard G. Haworth Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ ""Dick Haworth tells story of his family business" MLive.com 2010-11-3
- ^ Evink, Janis R.; Beam, Henry H. (January 1, 1999). "Just what is an ideation group?". Business Horizons. 42 (1): 73–78. doi:10.1016/S0007-6813(99)80051-2. ISSN 0007-6813.
- ^ "$211.5 Million Award in Patent Lawsuit". The New York Times. December 31, 1996.
- ^ "Haworth officials believe their new headquarters will inspire change in workplaces" MLive.com 2008-05-13
- ^ Staff report. "Haworth zero-landfill goal becoming reality". The Holland Sentinel. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
- ^ a b "Haworth's third generation takes over as Dick Haworth steps aside" MLive.com 2009-04-22
- ^ "Haworth buys Poltrona Frau to create major global furniture brand". Dezeen. February 6, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
- ^ "NeoCon 2013: Haworth’s high-tech Bluescape creates infinite virtual workspace" MLive.com 2013-06-07
- ^ a b "See Patricia Urquiola’s Colorful Refresh of Haworth’s Michigan Headquarters" Metropolis 2018-03-28
- ^ "Franco Bianchi Speaks at Seidman College of Business" video
- ^ "Remembering The Life Of G.W. Haworth, Founder Of Haworth, Inc." Facility Executive Magazine, 2006-10-25
- ^ "Haworth giving $5M in bonuses to employees" MLive.com 2018-01-31
- ^ "Haworth to show off its zero-waste-to-landfill operations at upcoming sustainability workshop" MLive.com 2012-09-15
- ^ "Project Clarity leverages public, private support to improve Lake Macatawa watershed" MiBiz 2018-03-04
- ^ "Spectrum Health's new primary care office has a posh residential feel" MLive.com 2017-08-10
- ^ Staff, Sentinel. "Haworth Hotel at Hope College reopens after lengthy remodel". The Holland Sentinel. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
- ^ Mitchell, Kyle (August 4, 2023). "Haworth creating 15 acres of prairie habitat at Holland headquarters". WOODTV.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.