Krug Furniture
From The Waterloo Way Wiki
Contents |
About
Krug is a leading office furniture manufacturer in North America. They produce many different product lines and options, as each product can be customized to suit their customer’s needs. The company has a strategic focus on exceptional aesthetic value, and strives to provide ultimate flexibility in product choice and extraordinary turnaround times. The company is highly vertically integrated, completing all functions of the supply chain from manufacture to delivery. They operate four separate production facilities employing more than 500 non-unionized staff.
Product offerings include:
• Private office case goods • Conference tables • Meeting room furnishings • A variety of office and hospitality seating and tables
History
Krug Inc. was founded in 1880 by Hartman Krug, a German cabinetmaker, in Kitchener, Ontario (renamed from Berlin in 1919). The company began producing office chairs and tables, and by 1990 had several product lines including residential furniture. The company expanded rapidly due to Krug’s high-quality products and attention to detail, many pieces being steam-bent or hand-carved.
During the war (1939-1945) nearly all the company’s output supplied the Canadian government’s high demand. Post-war, Krug saw yet another period of high growth due to a booming economy with high demand for office furniture.
In the 1970’s Krug entered the US market, employing new procedures and equipment as they went, and initiating the production of desks in addition to their existing offerings. In 1980 the company acquired Imperial Furniture in Stratford, Ontario and subsequently moved the lumber and kiln-drying operations there, as well as some desk production. Continuing their expansion, in 1984 Krug acquired a second, larger facility in Kitchener, Ontario, moving their warehousing and distribution operations there and initiating a large veneer operation.
Through aggressive product development and plant expansion Krug has seen massive growth until very recently. They remain one of the fastest growing firms in the office furniture industry, achieving sales of close to $100 000 000. Krug’s president, Len Ruby, is quoted on their website as saying “This is a very exciting time for Krug, with 125 years of rich heritage we continue to grow by leveraging today’s technology with Hartman Krug’s vision for detailed craftsmanship.” Due to the rising value of the Canadian dollar as compared to the US dollar the company has recently seen some troubled times, as 80% of Krug’s furniture is exported to the US. The company was forced to close a plant in Collingwood, ON in 2006, although thus far they have managed to still remain profitable by adjusting their cost structure to meet falling margins.
Krug & the Environment
Krug has established a program to help reduce the amount of waste it produces and limit its environmental impact. All of the wood used in Krug’s furniture comes from sustainable forests in Canada and the United States. With their use of excellent processes, the amount of waste is minimized, and anything left over is turned into sawdust and used for heating in the company.
Krug does not waste anything that goes into making their furniture. Any waste from materials is recycled, whether it be scrap leather, particle board or seating foam. Any chemical waste produced is sent to a reprocessing firm, and tests are done regularly for compliance with environmental standards.
The result of Krug’s environmental practices has helped them reduce their electricity usage, lower package waste by 60%, recycle 90% of all their waste and reduce their landfill waste by 70%.
Awards
In 2007 the General Services Administration rated Krug Furniture as outstanding in each of 8 performance evaluation categories.
References
http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/244875
