Bengaluru: Steelcase, a global leader in office furniture, proudly celebrates over 25 years of innovation and leadership in transforming workspaces across India. Since its initial joint venture, Steelcase has steadily expanded its presence, offering tailored solutions that cater to local needs and investing significantly in local manufacturing. This commitment has fostered the creation of inspiring, people-cantered environments that boost productivity and enhance employee engagement in Indian workplaces.
To commemorate this significant milestone, Steelcase hosted its inaugural Work Better Conference in Asia, held in Bengaluru, India. This premier event brought together top industry professionals, providing a platform to discuss the latest trends and innovative solutions in office design and functionality.
During the conference, Steelcase unveiled its latest innovation – the Karman® Executive High-Back Chair. This cutting-edge product epitomizes Steelcase’s commitment to combining ergonomic excellence with aesthetic sophistication, designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality for modern executives.
Tirthankar Basu, India Managing Director of Steelcase, expressed his enthusiasm about the new product, stating, “We are excited to introduce the Karman® High Back chair to our customers in India. This latest innovation embodies our dedication to creating ergonomic and stylish solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern workplaces. With its unique patented hybrid seat and advanced comfort delivered by the proprietary new mesh material Intermix®, the Karman® chair combines comfort with aesthetic design, ensuring that all professionals can work comfortably throughout their day.”
The year 2024 marks a turning point for Steelcase as it pledges to serve as both a partner and a catalyst in the advancement of design professionals and design thinking practices in India. As part of its key initiatives, Steelcase is intensifying its local collaboration efforts, significantly broadening its array of partner brands to incorporate Indian-made enhancements. This includes artisanal rugs, plush sofas, and accent pieces procured from premium companies like Stanley Lifestyles. A standout new addition to the Steelcase SimplyIndia collection will be accent pieces from Stanley Lifestyles, renowned for its refined craftsmanship and designs inspired by Indian culture. These meticulously selected items blend seamlessly with the existing product range, enriching the overall design portfolio and offering customers an eclectic mix of high-quality, locally influenced options.
Samantha Giam, Vice President of Marketing for Asia Pacific, announced during the conference a special collaboration with CEPT University, set to offer unique opportunities for emerging talents in India. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to excel in the field of design and architecture. Additionally, this initiative leverages Indian design talent, enabling them to create products for their own market using local insights. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the unique needs and preferences of the local market, further enhancing the relevance and appeal of Steelcase products.
As Steelcase celebrates over 25 years in India, the inaugural Work Better Conference underscores its commitment to innovation and local collaboration. By partnering with CEPT University and expanding its product range with the SimplyIndia collection, including products from Stanley Lifestyles, Steelcase blends global excellence with local craftsmanship. These efforts enhance the design community and make high-quality, culturally rich products accessible to both Indian and global markets. Steelcase looks forward to continuing its journey of creating inspiring, productivity-boosting workspaces in India.
