GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Steelcase Inc. recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Smith System Manufacturing Company, a Texas-based manufacturer of high-quality furniture for the pre-K-12 education market designed to inspire better learning and improve outcomes for students.

The acquisition is expected to advance Steelcase’s growth strategy to offer a broad range of innovative solutions to customers in the education, healthcare, and office markets.

“As education markets continue to grow, the combination of Steelcase and Smith System will create incredible value for our customers,” said Allan Smith, vice president of Global Marketing at Steelcase. “Together, we can help schools create outstanding learning environments where students thrive, such as collaboration spaces, makerspaces and tech labs.”

For over 105 years, Steelcase Inc. has helped create experiences for the world’s leading organizations, across industries through their family of brands that include Steelcase®, Coalesse®, Designtex®, PolyVision®, Turnstone® and AMQ. Together, their brands offer a comprehensive portfolio of architecture, furniture and technology products and services designed to unlock human promise and support social, economic and environmental sustainability. Steelcase is a global, industry-leading and publicly traded company with fiscal 2018 revenue of $3.1 billion.

Smith noted that Steelcase sees the opportunity to double Smith System’s business within five years by expanding sales in North America through the Steelcase dealer network, as well as bringing Smith System’s products to corporate customers and global markets.

Founded in 1905, Smith System makes educational environments more healthy, comfortable and inspiring for students and educators. Smith System will operate as an independent subsidiary under its own brand, and will continue to support its strong network of existing dealers as well as extending its reach through authorized Steelcase dealers.

“We believe that joining forces with Steelcase offers us a path to accelerate long-term growth, while maintaining the agility that has made us successful,” said Molly Parnell, vice president of Sales at Smith System. “Steelcase and Smith System have complementary offerings and we look forward to growing our business together in pre-K-12, higher education, and corporate learning environments around the globe.”

The post Steelcase Inc. Acquires Smith System Manufacturing Company appeared first on School Construction News.

The 276,664-square-foot structure, which opened in April of 2011, was designed by Milwaukee-based Workshop Architects, Inc., and Moody Nolan, Inc. out of Columbus, Ohio. CG Schmidt, out of Milwaukee, served as the construction manager on the two-year building effort. The $94.8 million project was funded by student fees, Wisconsin Union dues and donor support. No tax or tuition dollars were spent on the effort.

“We’re very gratified that Union South has earned this exemplary recognition,” says Wisconsin Union director Mark Guthier. “This is not only a tribute to the architects, construction company, design team and Union staff but also a testament to the extraordinary level of student involvement in the process from start to finish; the students said they wanted a sustainable, ‘green’ union building that will meet their 21st century needs. And this LEED Gold designation helps fulfill this promise.”

Students voted in 2006 to renovate the existing Memorial Union building and construct the new Union South structure. Student input called for a green building with a live performance venue and convenience store. The new structure features meetings paces, a large auditorium-style theater, recreational facilities and food service venues.

One of the highlights of the new facility is the Sett, which is the name for the series of tunnels that make up a badger burrow in the wild. The three-story space features everything from a live music venue to bowling, billiards and rock climbing. The space also features a viewing area where students can watch Badger sporting events on television, in case they do not have time to travel to an away game.

“I was so proud of our Union when I heard the news about our LEED gold certification, for two reasons,” says Wisconsin Union president Sarah Mathews. “One, because the Wisconsin Union is a values-driven organization, and sustainability is one of our key values. Two, because a great part of why we programmed Union South to focus on environmental stewardship is because of vocal student input supporting that outcome. This award shows the value of listening to and being guided by the student voice.”

The U.S. Green Building Council recognized the building for its energy use, lighting, water and material use. The structure uses less energy and water than comparable buildings, saving costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The building uses 32 percent less water than standard buildings and 36 percent less energy. The facility also has nine parking spaces dedicated for low-emission, fuel-efficient, and carpool vehicles. Two nearby bus stations and 230 bike stalls provide a well-rounded array of green transportation options. The project also preserved 20 percent of the site for open space.

Storm water runoff is funneled into an outdoor water feature. The landscaping focuses on native plants, which conserve water and support local habitat. Nearly 90 percent of the materials from the old Union South building were recycled.

"We desired to make a building that speaks fluent Madison,” says Jan Van Den Kieboom, Workshop principal. “Part of that language is environmental stewardship. Earning LEED Gold confirms that the intent is realized."

The post Badgers Add New Green Gather Space for Students appeared first on School Construction News.