JASPER, IN — Benching, the workplace furnishing style that features collaborative work tables surfaces for collaborative work teams or temporarily assigned employees, has been gaining in popularity.

Kimball Office says its new line, Priority, allows for expandable benching-style tables, going up to 15 feet wide in six-inch increments. Kimball says its Priority line has more than a dozen patents pending.

"The research showed that individuals want height adaptability for their work surfaces and privacy screens, as well as more options for storage and piling files,” says Georgy Olivieri, director of architecture, design, and sustainable strategies for Kimball Office in announcing the product launch. “During the design process, the team developed more than a dozen hardware, support, and storage elements that are new to the industry.”

In an effort to help organizations maximize real estate efficiencies, Priority benching is offered in six-inch increments, without encroachment, similar to a panel system. The under-surface table support enables long spans, up to 15 feet between legs, eliminates redundant leg support, and connects back-to-back or with returns for added workspace.

Priority includes an electrical power and data system, which conceals wires and hook ups. Dual frames can accommodate 24-, 30-, or 36-inch dual tops and 48- or 60-inch single tops. Back-to-back frames can accommodate privacy screens, shared shelving, and returns. 

An optional center stanchion supports overhead storage. Tables are height-adjustable using an incremental pin adjust, click, crank handle, or electric single or dual stage memory, with three to four settings.

The Priority line is available in a variety of wood and laminate options as well as three finishes for legs and three finishes for screens and privacy panels. All wood components are finished with Pura, Kimball Office’s proprietary UV finish. Kimball Office says the line is Scientific Certification Systems Indoor Advantage Gold certified, contributes to  LEED credits, and is American National Standards Institute/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (ANSI/BIFMA) level 3 certified.