3.31.08 | Herman Miller said last week that it settled anti-trust allegations made by the Attorneys General of New York, Illinois and Michigan against Herman Miller for the Home for HMH’s Minimum Advertised Price Program. Not to keep you in suspense, the case resulted in a stand-off, with all parties acknowledging that the agreement does not constitute either an admission or denial of liability or wrongdoing – and, independent of the settlement document, Herman Miller categorically denied any wrongdoing.

3.24.08 | What a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago when the word was out that HNI (then named HON INDUSTRIES) was bidding to acquire Knoll from Westinghouse, one would have thought the world was coming to an end, or at least the sky was falling. Now, everyone in the know is breathing a huge sigh of relief that the treasured brand of HBF is going to be safely tucked neatly near the warm, financially sound hearth of HNI.

2.11.08 | Haworth is an interesting study in cautious but consistent progress and risky, radical moves forward. From the electrified panel, to mobile products and then the imaginative Crossings to the stunning renovation of its Chicago showroom and the even more ambitious headquarters renovation and complete showroom revitalization strategy to demonstrate its total commitment to sustainability and a new vision for the workplace. Last week Haworth announced that its 2007 sales increased 12% to $1.66 billion. The company said that its was its fifth consecutive year of growth, and included market share gains in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America.

2.11.08 | Mogens Smed sure made a timely selection for the name of his 3-year old enterprise, DIRTT Environmental Solutions. Of course, Mr. Smed, as ardent as he may be about sustainability in his products, his company and his industry, is a true-believer envrionmentalist whose long-time projects have included the salmon, grizzly bears, and now whales.