WELCOME TO NEWSMAKERS
The QCBJ devotes the Newsmakers series to looking back on some of the biggest and most noteworthy stories we covered in 2025 across the Quad Cities region. Each story also includes a small update on the topic or news event. The stories are not ranked, but rather, appear in chronological order.
The original story ran in August of 2025
MUSCATINE, Iowa — A deal to combine two office furniture giants into a single company under the HNI Corporation name received their organizations’ shareholders approval earlier this month.
Following HNI’s announcement in early August to acquire Steelcase, the transaction officially closed Wednesday, Dec. 10. The move unites the workplace furnishings industry leaders into a combined company with pro forma annual revenue of approximately $5.8 billion.
HNI will maintain its corporate headquarters in Muscatine and Steelcase will maintain its Grand Rapids, Michigan, headquarters, which the new company said reflects a continued commitment to both communities and the teams based there.
As previously announced, HNI Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Lorenger is leading the combined organization.
An Integration Management Office (IMO) has been established, comprised of leaders from both HNI and Steelcase responsible for overseeing the integration process. Dealer engagement has remained a top priority since the announcement and will continue with the acquisition’s close, the organization said.
The dealer community has expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities the acquisition presents. The organization is committed to partnering closely with dealers to further understand their business, identify what drives value for them, and grow together for long-term success.
Serving more customers in more places, the combined company will provide a truly better buying experience and product offering, capitalizing on an industry poised for growth, the organization said.
In November, Steelcase announced that after the closing several Steelcase company executives, including its President and CEO Sara Armbruster, will be departing from the company.
“This is an important moment in our company’s story,” Ms. Armbruster wrote in a letter submitted last month to the SEC. “Times of change can bring mixed emotions, yet they also create opportunities for growth and shared success. What has always defined Steelcase is the strength of our people, the depth of our relationships, and our commitment to helping the world work better.”
— Jennifer DeWitt
