February 21, 2007—KI has opened a Global Sourcing office in DongGuan, China, helping the company increase efficiencies in its manufacturing program and strengthen relationships with suppliers in the region, KI says.
Putting a team of engineers, auditors and project managers near its suppliers in China enables KI to provide customers with faster time to market, better quality assurance and greater product offerings, notes the company.
KI’s suppliers in China provide component parts and completed products to eight of its ten manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada. The Global Sourcing team in DongGuan provides engineering and product development assistance to suppliers, project management services, and auditing of products prior to shipment.
Strengthening the partnerships with suppliers and plants in China makes it possible for KI to manufacture and market furniture that would be cost-prohibitive to produce domestically, according to the company. In addition, the Global Sourcing office in DongGuan supports KI’s growing business with customers throughout Asia.
KI manufactures innovative furniture and wall system solutions for college & university, K-12, healthcare, government and corporate markets.
