Contract furniture maker HNI sales hit $2.2 billion
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Business furniture manufacturer HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI) reported $2.2 billion in revenue for 2016 net income of $86 million. Fourth quarter sales were $581 million and net income was $11 million, dampened by impairment charges and write downs. 
 
"We strategically repositioned and simplified our portfolio to increase profitability," said Stan Askren, HNI CEO. "We continued to significantly invest in our businesses to drive long-term profitable growth."
 
HNI recorded $10.5 million of restructuring costs and $9.3 million of transition costs in 2016 in conjunction with previously announced closures and structural realignments, of which $14.6 million was recognized in cost of goods sold. Another $5.8 million in charges came from impairment of goodwill and intangible charges related to a small office furniture business.
 
HNI recorded $4.4 million of accelerated depreciation from the charitable donation of a building, and recorded a $22.6 million non-cash loss on the sale of Artcobell, a K-12 education furniture company, which it expects to result in $5 million in improved operating profit in 2017. This sale was partially offset by a $2 million non-recurring gain on a litigation settlement.
 
HNI was listing over 100 job openings, and features videos highlighting career opportunities. 
 
HNI is listed as the eighth largest company on the 2016 FDMC 300, the annual listing of the largest North American wood manufacturing firms. Major furniture brands include Allsteel, Gunlocke, HON, HNI International, Maxon, Paoli, Artcobell (now sold), HBF, Lamex, and bpergo. There are 10 manufacturing plants in Cedartown, GA; Mt. Pleasant, and Muscatine, IA; and in Wayland, NY. 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.