Herman Miller taps healthcare

Herman Miller, the $1.5 billion office seating solution company, after taping up the Indian office furniture sector is now eying the healthcare sector.

"Right now it is a small portion of our business from India, but we are tailoring a few products suitable for hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies," said Michael Pearce, vice-president export sales, Herman Miller.

The company, which set up operations in 1996, has opened its first company owned showroom in Bangalore. It was chosen as the showroom location in India as the company has a majority of its customers here, he added.

After conducting business for nine years through distributors, the company felt it was time to create an atmosphere to showcase its products, said Pearce.

Recently, the company bagged a 1,700 highend chair order from Reliance Industries. AOL bought 2,000 workstations,

Walt Disney 300 workstations and Merrill Lynch 200 workstations.

The showroom will showcase its product including furniture designed by Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, a well as 'action office' and recent additions. The company through this showroom is showcasing its four main categories of seating products ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 3.5 lakhs.

Herman Miller plans to expand in India through distributors. "The company has appointed distributors in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. We plan to hire four more distributors by year end," said Rajiv Singh, sales manager, Herman Miller.