Healthy market segments today require new products that will entice and inspire the audience, yet are adaptable to fit any situation.    

Herman Miller Healthcare, Zeeland, MI — The office furniture giant has moved in the right direction since entering the healthcare market. Debuting in 2010, its modular Compass System continues to receive accolades, including a Best of NeoCon Gold, Silver IDEA and Overall Award Winner in the Design & Health International Academy Awards 2011.  The Compass has interchangeable components that can be configured to create patient rooms, clinical rooms or workspace areas and is part of an ongoing collaboration between Herman Miller and Continuum.

Based on the success already demonstrated in this market, Herman Miller in 2010 announced plans to invest $11 million to construct a new healthcare furniture manufacturing plant and showroom, along with a new design center. When completed, the new operations could bring a possible 600 jobs to the Holland, MI, area.

TOP INNOVATIONS

MasterBrand Cabinets, Jasper, IN
The cabinet giant cooked up a successful strategy in 2010 and was selected the exclusive supplier of kitchen cabinetry for the Martha Stewart Living kitchen line, which launched at Home Depot last year. MasterBrand President Greg Stoner said at the time the company expected to add 300 jobs over the next few years related to the new line.

Concepts by J (Konrad Pichler), Los Angeles, CA
What distinguishes the company’s high-end furniture and millwork products, says Konrad Pichler, president, is the materials. Incorporated in the pieces can be “materials of animal and mineral origin, such as gourd, bone, loofah, goatskin, seashells, horn, copper, cinnamon root, etc.”  

Crown Cabinets, Salt Lake City, UT
Looking for ways to expand its sales and market share, General Sales Manager Steve Motzkus says the kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturer added new equipment last year to produce a frameless line of products.