La-Z-Boy Opens New Headquarters

June 8, 2015  by in Business Strategy, Industry   

The 200,000-square-foot, three-story facility features an open floor plan and flexible workspace, designed to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity. Throughout the headquarters, a large variety of working and gathering spaces are available to employees to provide maximum flexibility for every working situation from treadmill desks to rooftop patios.

An emphasis was placed on the interior design, giving employees a warm environment that includes a dramatic atrium, collaborative seating areas, fireplaces, quiet rooms, natural wood, modern fabrics and colors. The brand known for comfort has built a commercial building with a welcoming and residential feel.

The building sits on 120 acres, about a mile from La-Z-Boy's original location in Monroe, and includes 80 acres of an untouched nature preserve that features a protected oak savanna, as well as a walking trail for employees.

"We had the opportunity to build something brand new, giving every consideration to what kind of space our employees would be excited to work in, as well as represent the design and technology of our products," said Kurt L. Darrow, chairman, president and CEO. "It was also important for us to continue our commitment to Monroe and the state of Michigan. We've been a huge part of this community for over 88 years, and we're pleased to bring what we believe is one of the state's top work environments to the area."

About 500 La-Z-Boy employees are located on-site, with space to allow for future growth. The headquarters also has a full-service kitchen that offers breakfast, lunch and carry-out dinners, as well as an employee marketplace.

In line with other consumer brands, technology was also key. The building features electronic room scheduling devices, wireless connectivity throughout, and an audio and video system to enhance the atmosphere and increase communication.

The building, which has been equipped with numerous energy-saving features, is currently pending Silver LEED certification.

"The La-Z-Boy brand has been evolving for years with newly designed stores that feature a wide range of stylish furniture options for every home," Darrow said. "This building makes a bold statement about our brand, while still paying tribute to our roots and demonstrating our journey for the future."