Competitive Hiring Environment and Shift Toward Collaborative Workspaces are Key Trends Underlying Knoll Momentum
Knoll, Inc. (NYSE:KNL) President and CEO Andrew Cogan appeared in a video interview with TheStreet to discuss the company’s latest financial results and ongoing strategy to drive growth through diversification of its product portfolio. He also shared insights on major trends impacting the office design space.
Mr. Cogan noted that growth in the second quarter resulted from two main factors.
“First, organically, the core office business has been very strong, I think stronger than people expected,” said Mr. Cogan. “What’s happening in the office place — you’ve got corporate profitability, service sector employment — all those are positive backdrops to increasing office furniture demand.”
“Number two, companies are changing the way they are working — less space for individuals, more space for group and collaborative — and our R&D efforts and our acquisition efforts have really been focused on what we call that ancillary part of the office — the group areas — and we’ve really strengthened our offerings.”
He added as individual workspace shrinks, workstation performance increases. “You’re seeing our fastest growing category is sit-stand desks and height adjustability, so while you’re getting less space, you are getting more high performing space”.
“This aligns well with Knoll’s capability, which is high designed, differentiated products,” Mr. Cogan said.
Mr. Cogan also commented on the global competitive landscape, Knoll’s recent acquisition of Muuto and the company’s improving margins. “We have a much more holistic approach now to the entire workplace, and that’s showing up in our results.”
Knoll reported second quarter 2018 results on July 30.
To view the interview, visit: https://www.thestreet.com/video/knoll-profits-on-corporate-growth-dismisses-tariff-concerns-14668653
About Knoll
Knoll, Inc. is a constellation of design-driven brands and people, working together with our clients to create inspired modern interiors. Our internationally recognized portfolio includes furniture, textiles, leathers, accessories, and architectural and acoustical elements brands. These brands — Knoll Office, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, KnollExtra, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, Edelman Leather, HOLLY HUNT, DatesWeiser and Muuto— reflect our commitment to modern design that meets the diverse requirements of high performance workplaces and luxury interiors. A recipient of the National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Smithsonian`s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Knoll, Inc. is aligned with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Canadian Green Building Council and can help organizations achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) workplace certification. Knoll, Inc. is the founding sponsor of the World Monuments Fund Modernism at Risk program. www.knoll.com