WEST OLIVE, MI – An October survey of office furniture manufacturers conducted by Michael A. Dunlap & Associates LLC showed sluggish growth and a downward trend for office furniture manufacturers and suppliers, according to The Grand Rapids Press. The quarterly trends survey, based on a 100-point index, showed a pace of 55.62, with 50 being no change up or down. The latest survey figure comes in at less than July’s 58.49 and the three-year average of 56.96. Reportedly, two factors came in at less than 50, indicating a worsening trend – raw materials and employee costs. All other measures were above the half-way point, but were down from the previous quarter, Dunlap said.