HNI Corp. plans to invest $20 million expanding panel processing and manufacturing in its Muscatine, IA operations. The parent of business furnishings businesses as such Hon, Allsteel, and Paolli, will buy land and spend $14.7 million on equipment.

HNI Corp., fomerly HON, reported sales of $550.9 million third quarter, though net income fell $400,000 to $24.5 million. Summer heat interrupted production, impacting earnings. Capital expenditures doubled to $44 million for the first nine months of the year.

Allsteel Inc. co-sponsored NeoCon's opening keynote speaker yesterday: Richard M. Daley, former mayor of the host city, Chicago. With 700 furnishings exhibitors, NeoCon runs through June 13; 40,000 attendees are expected.

Office furniture giant HNI Corp. announced sales of $466.1 million and income from continuing operations of $12.6 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 1, 2011. For fiscal year 2010, the corporation reported sales of $1.7 billion and income from continuing operations of $29.7 million.