Steelcase inaugurates ‘Work Better Conference’ to celebrate its Glorious 25 years in India

• Steelcase hosts the Work Better conference featuring leading Indian thought leaders and unveiling the Karman High Back chair
• Expands its collaboration with Stanley Lifestyles, incorporating the SimplyIndia Collection into its offerings
• Partners with CEPT University to provide unique opportunities for emerging design and architecture talents in India

Bengaluru, NFAPost:  Steelcase, a global leader in office furniture, is committed to offering tailored solutions that cater to local needs and investing in local manufacturing, said Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu.

“Our commitment to offer tailored solutions that cater to local needs and investing significantly in local manufacturing. This commitment has enabled the creation of inspiring, people-centered environments that boost productivity and enhance employee engagement across Indian workplaces,” said Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu.while celebrating 25 years of transforming workspace in India.

As part of the event, Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu also inaugurated its first Work Better Conference in Asia where the company brought together top industry professionals.

“We are proud of our over 25 years of innovation in India to transform workspaces across India. Besides showcasing our products, Work Better Conference in Asia provides a platform for discussing the latest trends and innovative solutions in office design and functionality,” said Managing Director Tirthankar Basu.

Attendees of the conference had the opportunity to engage with a distinguished panel of experts, including ANSR CEO Lalit Ahuja, Reliance Human Resources Vice President Dr. Arvind Subramanian, CEPT University Dean of the Faculty of Design Saleem Bhatri and Stanley Lifestyles CEO Sunil Suresh.

As part of the 25-year celebration, Steelcase unveiled its latest innovation – the Karman® Executive High-Back Chair. This cutting-edge product epitomizes Steelcase’s commitment to combining ergonomic excellence with aesthetic sophistication, designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality for modern executives.

Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu shared his enthusiasm about the new product, stating the company is excited to introduce the Karman® High Back chair to customers in India.

“This latest innovation embodies our dedication to creating ergonomic and stylish solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern workplaces. With its unique patented hybrid seat and advanced comfort delivered by the proprietary new mesh material Intermix®, the Karman® chair combines comfort with aesthetic design, ensuring that all professionals can work comfortably throughout their day,” said Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu.

Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu also said 2024 stands as a turning point in the copany’s fortune in India as it pledges to serve a dual role as both a partner and a catalyst in the advancement of design professionals and design thinking practices in India.

“As part of its key initiatives, Steelcase is intensifying its local collaboration efforts, considerably broadening its array of partner brands to incorporate Indian-made enhancements. This includes artisanal rugs, plush sofas, and accent pieces procured from premium companies like Stanley Lifestyles,” said Steelcase India Managing Director Tirthankar Basu.

A standout new inclusion to the Steelcase SimplyIndia collection will be accent pieces from Stanley Lifestyles, esteemed for its refined craftsmanship and designs inspired by Indian culture. Now part of the Steelcase offerings, these meticulously selected items blend seamlessly with the existing product range, enriching the overall design portfolio and offering customers an eclectic mix of high-quality, locally influenced options.

Talking to TheNFAPost, Steelcase Asia Pacific Marketing Vice President Samantha Giam said the company is committed to contributing to the growth of the design community in India.

“Our product portfolio gains a fresh vitality through our partnerships in India. The SimplyIndia, a curated Steelcase Collection will now include Stanley products, making them more accessible to commercial customers in India,” said Steelcase Asia Pacific Marketing Vice President Samantha Giam

Commenting on the companies localisation initiative, Steelcase Asia Pacific Marketing Vice President Samantha Giam said its product Personality Plus is a global brand and is proudly made in India, exemplifying the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“Moreover, our globally recognized Think chair is made in India for the Indian market, further underlining our commitment to local production. This dynamic blend of global and local offerings enhances the superiority and accessibility of Steelcase products for the Indian consume,” said Steelcase Asia Pacific Marketing Vice President Samantha Giam.

During the conference Steelcase also announced its special collaboration with CEPT University and is set to offer unique opportunities for emerging talents in India This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to excel in the field of design and architecture.

Additionally, this initiative leverages Indian design talent, enabling them to create products for their own market using local insights. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the unique needs and preferences of the local market, further enhancing the relevance and appeal of our products.

About Steelcase:  

Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. For over a century, the company has designed, manufactured and partnered with the world’s leading organizations to create furnishings and solutions for the many places where work happens — including learning, health and work from home.

Through its research, Steelcase delivers insights and design innovation to customers around the world. The company’s solutions are brought to life through our Steelcase dealer community, Steelcase store and retail partners. And because we’re dedicated to doing our best work for the places, we all share, we come together for people and the planet.  

Established in 1912, Steelcase is a global design, research and thought leader in the world of work. We help people do their best work by creating places that work better. Along with more than 30 creative and technology partner brands, Steelcase designs and manufactures innovative furnishings and solutions for the many places where work happens — including learning and work from home.

Besides its community of expert Steelcase dealers approximately in 770 locations, as well as our online Steelcase store and other retail partners. Founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase is a publicly traded company with fiscal year 2024 revenue of $3.2 billion. With our 11,300 global employees and dealer community, we come together for people and the planet — using our business to help the world work better.