Herman Miller to open plant in the country
O Estado de S. Paulo
Just a decade ago, few were the Brazilian companies concerned about providing the employees a comfortable working environment that stimulated collaboration. The boom of the social networks, the constant appreciation of the exchange of experiences and the growing concern with the environment have changed the scenario. It is no coincidence, thus, that the multinational of corporate furniture, Herman Miller chose the moment to strengthen its operations in the country.
"The Brazilian economy is going through a spectacular moment", says the President of Herman Miller International, the British Andy Lock, who was in São Paulo last week. In an exclusive Estado, Lock, responsible for all the operations of the company outside the United States and Canada, explains that, in the past two years, the focus was China, where Herman Miller erected a plant. "We're now turning our attention towards this region of the world. We want to develop the right portfolio for Brazil. Some of the products can be sold worldwide, partially because many of our clients are multinationals, but others need local characteristics", he explains.
The idea, according to Lock, is to open a plant in the country soon. Currently, Herman Miller has seven distributors in Brazil. According to the Manager of a multinational in South America, Carla Barbosa, the number of partners should be increased in the coming years, especially outside Rio and São Paulo.
Founded in 1923 in Michigan, United States, Herman Miller is present in Brazil for 50 years and it is internationally known for adopting innovative corporate practices and for its actions of social responsibility. In the 90s, the company that helped to create the Council for green buildings in the U.A., hired environmental architect William McDonough to design its new plant, which has become known as the "Green House", in England. The building has a natural ventilation system that does not require air-conditioning and the entire Northern glass facade allows natural light in. The whole carpeting is made of recyclable material.
Is in the area of design, however, that Herman Miller collects the greater amount of awards. Some of its pieces of furniture have become true icons, like the Aeron chair, which has already integrated the collection of the MoMa, of New York. Among the designers who have already created products in partnership with the company are George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and Yves Béhar. Andy Lock summarizes the philosophy of the company: "We create environments where people want to be in, not where they need to be".