Steelcase Introduces New Seating Products at NeoCon 2006
Chairs Feature Advances in Aesthetics, Comfort, Technology and Environmental Sustainability
CHICAGO, June 12 -- Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS), a global office environments manufacturer, today introduced two new chairs -- the Siento(TM) chair and the Move(TM) chair, at NeoCon 2006, the World's Trade Fair for Interior Design and Facilities Management. A redesigned version of Steelcase's signature Leap® chair will also be prominently featured at this year's show.
These three chairs represent an evolution in Steelcase's patented seating technologies, building upon the breakthrough of the Live Back(TM) and Your Profile(TM) technologies currently found in the original Leap and Think® chairs, respectively. Comfort and ergonomics are often compromised in multi-purpose and executive seating. However, Move and Siento demonstrate how the technologies are being utilized to bring a new level of comfort and ergonomic design to these seating categories.
"Both Move and Siento exemplify Steelcase's research and development of innovative seating technologies that enable users to reach new heights of comfort and productivity in each of our seating categories," said James P. Hackett, president and CEO of Steelcase Inc. "In addition to creating new products, Steelcase is constantly looking for ways to improve upon existing products, such as the Leap chair, in order to remain one step ahead of user needs in areas such as aesthetics, comfort, technology and environmental sustainability."
Siento
The Siento chair, created in collaboration with renowned Spanish designer Jorge Pensi, is designed for executive offices, conference rooms and other high-end workspaces. Pensi is known for his fluid and elegant chair designs. Siento reflects his world-class architectural background with a striking yet subdued design that is unique among traditional, high-end executive seating.
Siento incorporates Steelcase's patented Live Back(TM) technology, which allows the chair back to change shape and mimic the user's spine as it moves throughout the day. The chair also features a flexible front seat edge, adjustable seat height, upright back lock, and back tension adjustment. Additional user-friendly options include two back heights (mid-back and high-back), two arm designs, three frame finishes, a wide variety of upholstery choices and an optional headrest. Since Siento caters to high-end office environments, it was specifically designed without any hard or exposed materials that could damage surrounding furniture.
Siento also reflects Steelcase's continued commitment to the environment. McDonough Braunguart Design Chemistry (MBDC) has conducted a materials assessment to determine that every material used in Siento is safe for human and environmental health. Also, Siento is currently under review for MBDC's "Cradle-to-Cradle" certification. The University of Michigan has also conducted a Life Cycle Assessment of the chair to evaluate the chair's life-long impact on the environment. Additionally, the standard leather option for Siento uses a chromium-free tanning process, which means that no heavy metals are used in the leather tanning process, making this leather more easily recycled.
"I was pleased to collaborate with Steelcase on the Siento chair. We worked seamlessly as a team to produce a modern chair that incorporates slim lines, elegance and advanced technology," said designer Jorge Pensi. "Siento was designed around Steelcase's Live Back technology in order to combine aesthetics with unparalleled comfort and ergonomic support."
Move
The Move chair illustrates Steelcase's ability to create comfortable multi-purpose seating for a variety of essential functions. Designed as a mobile chair, Move is ideal for any place people want to sit in comfort including conference rooms, training rooms, classrooms, reception areas, cafes, guest seating, etc. Designed by the Steelcase Design Studio, the duality of the chair is seen in its clean and simple architecture paired with innovative and sophisticated technology.
Move challenges the notion that multi-purpose chairs are not comfortable or ergonomic by incorporating Your Profile seat technology with flexors under the seat cushion. The flexors create a pliable seat pocket that conforms to each user's unique body characteristics, evenly distributing weight, reducing pressure points and encouraging movements for comfortable sitting and lounging. The generous width and cantilevered arm design of the chair allows users to sit in many different positions.
Move is lightweight and mobile, allowing for five chairs to stack on top of each other yet sturdy enough to accommodate weight up to 300 lbs. The versatility and range of the line can be seen in options such as armless or fixed arms, casters or glides, upholstered or plastic back (with multiple plastic color options), and a black or platinum frame. In addition, Move is available in all Steelcase upholstery options including Customer's Own Material and high-performance fabrics.
The Move chair was designed to minimize material usage, including steel and plastic. Up to 99 percent recyclable at the end of its life, Move is attached with only seven screws for quick and easy disassembly, in less than five minutes, with common hand tools. Like Siento, Move is constructed with MBDC approved materials, which are safe for human and environmental health. A Life Cycle Assessment has also been completed on Move to evaluate the chair's life-long impact on the environment.
Leap
The Leap chair, first introduced at NeoCon in 1999, has undergone a transformation based on the evolving needs of users. Improved in four key areas -- performance, aesthetics, ease of use and environmental effectiveness -- some highlights of the refreshed Leap chair include:
o New single back height and revised shape for improved back support
o New arm depth adjustment that enables users to get closer to their work
and provide better support for reclining
o Front seat edge automatically flexes with users' movements (eliminating
a manual control)
o Slimmer and sleeker design with a 3" reduction in external width, but
same useable sitting space to allow the chair to fit in smaller areas
o 3D-knit upholstery option for the back provides an alternative
aesthetic with exceptional comfort
o A Life Cycle assessment of the chair has been completed to measure its
environmental impact through every step of its life cycle
o Leap has been awarded Silver Cradle to Cradle Product Certification(TM)
from MBDC and is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®
Just as the Leap chair continues to evolve, the applications of the Live Back technology are evolving as well. The chair's technology is currently licensed to both the leading automotive and airline seat manufacturers, with potential applications for the technology in multiple industries.
The enhanced version of the Leap chair is currently available. Siento is available in North America and will begin shipping to customers in October 2006. Move, also available in North America, will begin shipping in November 2006.
About Steelcase Inc.
Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) serves customers through a network of more than 800 independent dealers and approximately 13,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 revenue was $2.9 billion. Learn more at www.steelcase.com/.
Source: Steelcase Inc.
CONTACT: Sara Whitman of Steelcase Inc., +1-212-931-6121, swhitman@peppercom.com
Web site: http://www.steelcase.com/
