JASPER, Ind. (Nov. 15, 2011) — When Kimball(R) Office began designing Priority(TM) benching, goals were set to create a product that would predict users’ needs, achieve maximum flexibility and functionality for the architecture and design community, and meet the industry’s highest sustainability standards. With more than a dozen patents pending, Priority has exceeded expectations and is available for order.

“Our design team spent several years analyzing what office elements workers use and what was missing from their space. The research showed that individuals want height adjustability for their work surfaces and privacy screens, as well as more options for storage and piling files,” said Georgy Olivieri, Director of Architecture, Design, and Sustainable Strategies for Kimball Office. “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 undersurface 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 also carries a robust electrical power/data system, which conceals wires and hook ups and has capacity to support plenty of technology. Dual frames can accommodate 24-, 30-, or 36-inch dual tops and 48- or 60-inch single tops, and back-to-back frames can accommodate privacy screens, shared shelving, and returns. Moveable privacy screens that adjust in one-inch increments from 12- to 16-inches are also available.

One of Priority benching’s unique elements is the optional center stanchion, which supports overhead storage and offers visual privacy with acoustical tackable or slat tiles. Although the stanchion allows workers to place materials overhead, the area under the work surfaces is open, allowing air to move freely, and effectively helping organizations with energy efficiency. The stanchion also can be used on 90- and 120-degree workstations.

“All the pieces support classic and progressive styles, and work together to create intuitive solutions for groups and individuals. A balance between collaboration and individual work can be struck with Priority’s linear characteristics,” said Olivieri. “Combined, Priority’s features allow designers and facility managers to use a single table-based solution for benching, open planning, conference rooms, and private offices.”

The inclusion of height-adjustable tables addresses users’ needs for increased ergonomic comfort and workplace versatility. Five options are available to change the tables’ height — an incremental pin adjust, click, crank handle, or electric single or dual stage memory, with three to four settings.

Priority’s existing solutions include a wide range of desks, credenzas, tables, vertical and overhead storage, worksurface styles, and integrated technology options. The complete 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 Priority wood components are finished with Pura(TM), Kimball Office’s proprietary UV finish. The line is Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage™ Gold certified, contributes to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) credits, and is American National Standards Institute/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (ANSI/BIFMA) level(R) 3 certified.

Kimball Office products can be found on kimballoffice.ecoScorecard.com, an online tool to quickly and simply research sustainable products and download documentation for green building programs such as LEED. To locate the closest Kimball Office dealer or showroom, for more information about Priority, visit www.kimballoffice.com or call (800) 482-1818.

About Kimball Office

Kimball(R) Office has been transforming workspaces for over 40 years, with an ever-widening breadth of relevant, sustainable office furniture solutions. As one of America’s most respected environmentally-conscious contract office furniture manufacturers, they provide architects, designers, facility managers, and employers with open plan system solutions, both modern and classic desking, and a range of seating options.

The company is a brand unit of Kimball International Inc., (NASDAQ: KBALB), a $1.2 billion publicly traded company headquartered in Jasper, Ind. Learn how Kimball Office is changing workspaces by visiting www.kimballoffice.com.