Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Ashley Completes First Phase of Wisconsin Technology Center
October 12,
2016 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Industry 
Ashley Furniture dedicated a new technology center in its hometown of Arcadia, Wis., this week, completing the first phase of renovations to a former community hospital and chapel.
Known as the Chapel Hill Advanced Technology Center, more than 200 Ashley employees, including the company’s design and information technology teams, will work there when the project is completed in the spring of 2017.
The company said the facility dates back to 1948, when it was built by Franciscan Sisters and members of the Arcadia community. The hospital was closed in 2011.
“Due to the historic nature of this building and its tie to the community, we took every precaution to preserve its original exterior,” said Ashley Furniture CEO Todd Wanek. “We did our best to maintain some interior elements while updating it in function and design to create an inspiring workplace for our associates to meet our future business needs. This dedication is really a tribute to the four sisters who devoted their life to this facility. We’re very proud to have preserved this building.”
Ashley has completed remodeling the top two floors of the 82,000-square-foot building, and is in the process of remodeling the first floor.
Chapel Hill’s renovation features large rooms that add natural light. Ashley removed all sub-ceilings and exposed mechanical systems to give the work environment a modern industrial look that is welcoming and bright. Workstations have adjustable heights with sit/stand capabilities.
“The Ashley Furniture ribbon cutting ceremonies and Myer’s Valley Creek relocation project announcement is great news for the citizens and business owners of Arcadia,” said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who attended the ceremony. We’re proud to work with the city of Arcadia, DNR, Ashley Furniture, and others to fund the Myer’s Valley Creek relocation project to prevent future flooding and damage as well as encourage investment in the area. Ultimately, these projects will lead to more jobs and a stronger local economy.”
During the ceremony, Ashley also said the company is nearing completion of a 155,000-square-foot expansion of its Plant 4 in Arcadia, which will give it additional case goods and upholstery production capacity.
That project, which is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, also will add 36 loading docks.