Office furniture company to expand operations in Indiana

Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman joined executives from office furniture giant OFS Brands Holdings Inc. to announce the expansion of the company’s national headquarters and manufacturing operations in Huntingburg, Ind., creating more than 300 new jobs by 2012.

The manufacturer, marketer and distributor of office furniture will invest more than $81 million to add new production facilities, veneer operations, UV coating systems and additional office space to its Southwest Indiana headquarters and manufacturing center.

"OFS Brands joins a growing list of companies like Berry Plastics, Arcadia Healthcare, Really Cool Foods and SMC Corporation that have decided to grow their global headquarters in Indiana. Headquarters locations, with the high-paying jobs and community commitment they bring, are the best news an economy can get," Skillman said.

Founded in 1937 as a residential furniture manufacturer, the company now manufactures, sells and distributes a complete line of executive office and high-end conference room furniture under the brand names OFS and First Office. 

OFS Brands, which employs 1,491 employees in Indiana, will begin hiring production associates, supervisors, upholsters and technicians in 2008 to meet the increasing demand for demand for its office furniture offerings. Unlike the rest of the office furniture industry, OFS has experienced tremendous growth since the industry reached its peak sales in 1999.

"We continue to focus sharply on the changing needs of our customers. Hiring and training talented people and heavy investment in state of the art technology has enabled our company to deliver unique and innovative furniture and logistic solutions to our clients", said Hank Menke, chief executive officer of OFS Brands. "We have nearly tripled our sales since 1999 and with the strong support from our state and city government, we fully expect our robust growth to continue. We are a proud Indiana company and proud to help contribute to a strong economic expansion for our state."

The announcement of the company’s expansion follows OFS Brands Holdings Inc.’s continued increase in sales. Since 2003, the family owned company has nearly tripled its market share and reported 2007 revenues that topped $250 million.

"OFS is a home-grown company that continues to create great opportunities for Huntingburg and Southwest Indiana," said Mayor Gail Kemp. "We are thankful for OFS’ continued commitment to our community and look forward to welcoming their new employees to our city."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered OFS Brands Holdings up to $1.9 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $300,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will provide the City of Huntingburg with a grant of up to $500,000 to assist with off-site infrastructure improvements required for the expansion. The city will also establish a tax increment financing district to provide funds for infrastructure and other onsite and off site improvements.