Our modern world seems to be moving at lightning speed. Technological innovations are constantly evolving, and while innovation is geared toward making our lives easier and more efficient, oftentimes new innovation can create an entirely new set of challenges that must be addressed. The contract design industry is no exception to this rule, and trends like the open office have completely changed the way the modern workplace is organized. These new spaces are geared around collaboration and flexibility, but create new challenges like lack of storage, privacy, and noise control. This means there is a substantial need for high-quality furniture that is not only optimized for a collaboration environment, but also built with flexibility in mind, and designed to easily evolve along with the space.

GMI Companies, based in Lebanon, Ohio, is pushing the boundaries of contract furniture and has taken this challenge head on. Based on a long tradition of quality beginning in 1976 with the founding of Ghent Manufacturing, they are reinventing their product lines to meet the unique needs of the open office, and ever-evolving contract industry. This comprehensive approach will incorporate all three of the GMI brands, Ghent, Waddell, and VividBoard, and will culminate with new product launches June, at the NeoCon Conference in Chicago (Booth # 7-2054).

Mobile Glassboard by Ghent

Ghent | Already well-known for innovation and invention, GMI Companies’ flagship brand, Ghent is looking to completely reinvent the way people think about whiteboards and enhance their relevance within the open office environment.

“As life continues to grow more complicated and technology advances, we’re finding more people value the simplicity of a dry erase board. They are easy to use, effective, and a great way to promote collaboration. But we’re always looking for ways to improve on those tools so it’s something people get excited to use. How can we keep challenging ourselves? That’s what we are always asking around here. “

 – Scott Bowers, Director of Product

Ghent’s new Mobile Glassboard represents the next generation in communication products and goes well beyond the concept of a simple dry erase board on a wall. This groundbreaking product will provide the perfect centerpiece to the collaborative environment while affording the user ultimate flexibility. Ghent’s Mobile Glassboard will be unveiled at NeoCon 2017 and launching to the public in early fall 2017.

Pallet by Waddell

Waddell | As one of the most prominent brand in the display case market, Waddell has been setting the bar for quality since 1889. Chances are if you’ve seen a trophy or display case in a school over the last 20 years, Waddell made it. GMI Companies’ vision for the Waddell brand includes offering more customizable options and made-to-order products that are created with the open office design in mind.

“The maker movement trend is creating more demand for a choice in customization options to inspire creativity not only in the workplace but also in the classroom. People want to be closer to the source of their products, so made in the USA is an important aspect when choosing who to work with and purchase from. We’re seeing more demand for aesthetics and surface choices as the line continues to blur between residential spaces and work.”

 – Jim Harter, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Waddell will be showcasing their latest display, “Pallet” at NeoCon 2017, and will be featured in “The Best of NeoCon,” and Interior Design HIP competitions. This new product line is an open space division and storage solution handcrafted from raw wood. Pallet will launch to the public in early fall 2017.

VividBoard | Before VividBoard introduced their proprietary sublimation process (the process they use to bake graphics into their custom whiteboards) the expectation was that a whiteboard with custom graphics may only last a few short years before they would need to be replaced because of fading. VividBoard changed that with their new manufacturing technique and raised the bar in whiteboard quality, offering a lifetime warranty on all of their boards. These custom whiteboards serve an endless list of needs in several different industries but are most prominent in healthcare design, where they are used as patient communication boards in hospital rooms.

VividBoard continues to lead the industry with their custom whiteboard technology, and like Ghent and Waddell, is planning on launching products that push their boundaries as a brand and provides innovative solutions to their clients. They will be showcasing this innovation at NeoCon 2017 with a new line of communication boards made entirely out of tempered glass. These new products are set to be released to the public in late Summer 2017.

GMI Companies represent not only an incredible tradition of quality American craftsmanship but are also deeply committed to the highest level of service. This philosophy is at the core of their corporate culture and is the driving force behind their investment in innovation.

“Our company is based on service,” says Chairman George Leasure. “We believe in service to our customers, service to our employees and service to our community.”

Link Board by VividBoard

All of the GMI Companies’ brands will be showcased at NeoCon 2017, Booth#7-2054.