Hekman
ActiveOverview
Hekman Furniture Company, founded in 1922, manufactures high-end furniture with real wood construction. It specializes in designs rooted in 18th and 19th century English styles, extending to contemporary, traditional, metal and wood pieces across dining, bedroom, accent, and home office categories. The company holds a position in the premium residential and contract furniture market, with facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and distribution in North Carolina.123
History
Hekman Furniture Company was founded in 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by brothers Henry, John, and Jelle Hekman, along with James Boonstra, starting with 30 modestly priced tables. It expanded into home office furniture, beginning with a computer cabinet in 1982, followed by a residential desk group in 1985 and Home/Office Systems in 1989. The company was acquired from Beatrice Foods by Howard Miller Company in November 1983.2
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office Systems (modular desks and cabinets) | Functional residential office furniture | $500 - $3,000 |
| Dining Furniture (tables and chairs) | Traditional English-inspired designs | $800 - $4,000 |
| Bedroom Pieces (beds and case goods) | High-end wood bedroom sets | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Accent Furniture (occasional tables) | Quality craftsmanship accents | $300 - $1,500 |
| Contract Furniture (commercial pieces) | Modern plant-produced office | $400 - $2,500 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured at the main facility and a modern contract furniture plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, using real wood. A distribution facility operates in North Carolina. Production emphasizes quality craftsmanship.23
Notable Products
- Home/Office Systems - Modular, flexible systems introduced in 1989 for work-at-home needs.
- Residential Desk Group - Desk collection launched in 1985 targeting home office market.
- Computer Cabinet - Initial home office product from 1982.
- English Design Tables - Early line of 30 tables from 1922, foundation of craftsmanship reputation.
- Dining Tables - Wood and metal dining pieces in traditional styles.
Reputation
Hekman is recognized by professionals for its longstanding quality craftsmanship since 1922, particularly in wood furniture and home office solutions. Enthusiasts value its heritage in English designs and expansion into modular systems. Limited employee count suggests a focused operation, with revenue around $24.8 million in 2024.12