June 3, 2021
Knoll associates have been returning to our offices and showrooms as local and state guidelines permit, setting the pace for our clients, architects, designers and our distribution partners to create inspiring spaces for the workplace and the home.
The health and safety of our associates and our visitors remains our #1 priority. Most locations are operating principally by appointment. Knoll is taking a phased approach to revising COVID protocols at our worksites.
All Knoll associates and visitors are required to:
- After evaluating local regulations in our work locations and per CDC guidelines, masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated U.S. Associates effective immediately. Please note that masks continue to be required in the State of California and the City of Philadelphia regardless of vaccination status until further notice.
- Temperature checks will no longer be required effective immediately.
- We will continue to ask prescreening health questions per local regulations.
- Respect social distancing protocols.
- All other health and safety recommendations such as social distancing and hand washing remain in effect.
To schedule a meeting at a Knoll showroom, please contact your Knoll representative or a Knoll Regional Director. Our team also continues to be available via video conference. We look forward to discussing how we make creative inspiring spaces where people love to be.
October 1, 2020
Knoll associates have been returning to our offices and showrooms as local and state guidelines permit, setting the pace for our clients, architects, designers and our distribution partners to create inspiring spaces for the workplace and the home.
The health and safety of our associates and our visitors remains our #1 priority. Most locations are operating principally by appointment. Please note that we have implemented the same screening procedure and safety standards at these sites that are in effect in our manufacturing facilities, workrooms and distribution centers.
All Knoll associates and visitors are required to:
- Complete a temperature check and health screening questions.
- Wear a face mask during a showroom/office visit.
- Sanitize their hands upon entering the showroom or office.
- Respect social distancing protocols.
- Reschedule a meeting if they are not feeling well.
To schedule a meeting at a Knoll showroom, please contact your Knoll representative or a Knoll Regional Director. Our team also continues to be available via video conference. We look forward to discussing how we make creative inspiring spaces where people love to be.
In addition, we have launched Knoll + Muuto Work from Home furniture, lighting and accessories at knoll.com. Consumers can now shop online for work from home products that bring the trademark design, comfort and performance of the Knoll and Muuto brands to their doorsteps – shipped free in just 1 – 3 days.
Muuto, a Knoll constellation brand, is based in Denmark, working to write new chapters in the longstanding heritage of Scandinavian design. Muuto products pair seamlessly with the range of modern Knoll designs. Shop Now.
June 2, 2020
A Message from Knoll Chairman and CEO Andrew Cogan
We are living in unprecedented times. Just as Covid-19 shelter-in-place orders are slowly being lifted and we are trying to move forward by returning to our offices and showrooms, we find our communities threatened by an equally insidious virus of racism and hatred. For all too many of us at Knoll, this is personal and threatens the freedoms and values we all hold dear. When anyone of us is threatened or discriminated against because of our race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, then none of us are truly safe nor free.
Modernism in design was born as a means toward social good, and Knoll was founded on the principal that modern design could make a difference in improving the quality of the way we live and work. Good design is agnostic about the color of one’s skin, responding to the universal desire for utility, joy and beauty. With so many suffering, let’s recommit ourselves through our actions to leveraging the power of design to build a fairer world and a Knoll where each of us can find meaning in the work we do together. May you and your families remain safe and well. I look forward to the day when we are all together again.
June 1, 2020
As certain areas in North America begin to open again, we have been planning our return to our offices and showrooms – where we set the pace for our clients, architects, designers and our distribution partners to create inspiring spaces for the workplace and the home.
The health and safety of our associates and our visitors remains our #1 priority. We are introducing the same screening procedure and safety standards in our offices and showrooms that are in effect in our manufacturing facilities, workrooms and distribution centers.
The following Knoll showrooms in North America are open: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami and Phoenix. Other locations will open soon as shelter-in-place orders begin to lift.
In addition to observing local guidelines, all Knoll associates and visitors are required to:
- Complete a temperature check and two health screening questions.
- Wear a face mask during a showroom/office visit.
- Sanitize their hands upon entering the showroom or office.
- Respect social distancing protocols.
- Reschedule a meeting if they are not feeling well.
To schedule a meeting at a Knoll showroom, please contact your Knoll representative or a Knoll Regional Director; our team is also available via video conference. We look forward to greeting you and discussing how we make creative inspiring spaces where people love to be.
May 5, 2020
DatesWeiser and Knoll Italian Manufacturing Sites Reopen
We have resumed manufacturing operations at our Buffalo, NY DatesWeiser site and our two sites in Italy. DatesWeiser produces furniture for client-facing and signature areas including executive conference centers, reception desks and C-Suite offices; the Italian facilities produce a range of workplace and residential products. DatesWeiser associates are scheduling shipments and working with clients on new opportunities.
Our principal manufacturing and distribution facilities in North America have been operational since March 26. With the re-opening of the DatesWeiser and Italian sites, all Knoll manufacturing faciilites serving our workplace clients worldwide are operational.
Throughout our manufacturing footprint, we remain committed to the health and safety of our associates and protecting their families and the community. Our operations are incorporating social distancing and other mitigation and protective procedures designed to protect our associates, including mandatory use of face masks. To recap:
We are enforcing strict on-site visitor polices to reduce the chance of exposing associates and visitors to Covid-19:
- Essential visitors and delivery personnel must complete a visitor request form and a temperature screening to enter the facility.
- Cleaning protocols are under the supervision of trained technicians.
Temperature screening protocols remain in effect.
- Temperature screenings are required for all associates.
- Social distancing and protective measures are in place during the process and while associates wait for the screening.
We are continuing to require social distancing throughout our facilities, in all areas, including offices, at all times. We’ve modified work in manufacturing areas to include:
- Social distancing markings at all clock machines; associates have been trained to follow this new procedure
- 6-foot distance between associates at workstations; minimal collaboration and interaction
- Modified tasks that minimize or eliminate collaboration in close proximity
- Social distancing in break areas
- Increased sanitation measures, hygiene best practices
Our sales, marketing and dealer teams are continuing to work remotely with clients and dealers. At the same time, we are developing our own “return to the workplace” plans and policies for our offices and showrooms that reflect the guidelines in place at our manufacturing footprint.
In addition, a range of client resources is also available to assist in adapting and planning around COVID-19, including Considerations for Returning to a Healthy Workplace.
April 21, 2020
Knoll Continues to Serve Clients and Distribution Partners; Publishes “Considerations for Returning to a Healthy Workplace”
With a continued focus on associate health and safety measures at our manufacturing and distribution facilities, including enhanced site procedures, health measures and social distancing standards, we are continuing to serve the needs of our clients and dealers. In addition, to reduce the spread of infectious disease, our Knoll Office, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, KnollTextiles, HOLLY HUNT and Edelman teams are now making masks for our associates as well as community organizations and medical facilities.
Knoll sales, customer service and operations teams are continuing to use virtual and other communication tools such as on-line meetings, webinars and conference calls to work with clients on current requirements—both project and work-from-home-related—as well as future needs.
And we are exploring additional workplace policies that will be taken into account due to Covid-19 when the time is right. We have published “Considerations for Returning to a Healthy Workplace,” insights for returning to a healthy workplace. This resource offers guidelines to assist organizations adapt to and plan around Covid-19, reflecting our commitment to helping organizations consider everything they need for their associates to come back to the workplace and feel safe. The materials take a holistic approach, addressing health and well-being from a physical, mental, social and emotional perspective; getting back to the workplace requires an intentional strategy to assure employees can feel safe and remain healthy in the office. Learn more.
April 6, 2020
Covid-19 Health and Safety Measures Introduced at Knoll Manufacturing and Distribution Facilities
With the health and safety of our associates and communities in mind, Knoll manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in North America principally are operational; DatesWeiser and our Italian factories have temporarily suspended operations in compliance with government orders.
An amplified focus on associate health and safety measures at our manufacturing and distribution facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic is driving Knoll forward. In addition to following the World Health Organization’s and Centers for Disease Control guidelines, we have taken the following actions at our manufacturing and distribution facilities. Safety is our #1 priority.
Site Procedures
We’ve introduced strict on-site visitor polices to reduce the chance of exposing associates to Covid-19:
- No non-essential visitors
- • Essential visitors and delivery personnel must complete a visitor request form and a temperature screening to enter the facility
Cleaning protocols are under the supervision of trained technicians.
Health Measures
We’ve implemented temperature screening protocols and installed sanitation stations:
- Temperature screenings are required for all associates
- Social distancing and protective measures are in place during the process and while associates wait for the screening
Social Distancing Standards
We’re requiring social distancing throughout our facilities, in all areas, including offices, at all times.
We’ve modified work in manufacturing areas to include:
- Social distancing markings at all clock machines; associates have been trained to follow this new procedure
- 6-foot distance between associates at workstations; minimal collaboration and interaction
- Modified tasks that minimize or eliminate collaboration in close proximity
- Social distancing in break areas
- Increased sanitation measures, hygiene best practices
Supervisors have been trained to reinforce social distancing.
At the same time, our sales and marketing teams are working remotely with clients and dealers to move our constellation of brands forward – highlighted by a virtual tour of our flagship Fulton Market Chicago space, communicating who we are, what we stand for and how we create inspiring workspaces and residences. We are also working with our dealers who qualify for small business CARES Act Covid-19-related loans and other U.S. Small Business Administration funding programs.
Constellation of Brands Providing Hand Sewn Masks in Response to Pandemic
In addition, with public health organizations, frontline medical workers and communities facing a shortage of N95 masks to reduce the spread of infectious disease, our constellation of brands, including Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, KnollTextiles and HOLLY HUNT, is helping to fill the void in the spirt of making masks for America.
- Spinneybeck|FilzFelt is producing masks for medical facilities in the state of New Hampshire with Littleton, NH-based Appalachian Stitching Company, a Knoll partner
- KnollTextiles and an upholstery partner will be creating masks for Knoll associates and community members
- HOLLY HUNT is donating Great Plains fabric and partnering with an upholstery workroom to fabricate masks for Chicago hospitals
March 31, 2020
Knoll Operations and Marketplace Update
With the health and safety of our associates and communities in mind, Knoll manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in North America principally are operational; DatesWeiser and our Italian factories have temporarily suspended operations in compliance with government orders. Our dedicated manufacturing and logistics associates are working safely following social distancing practices in thoroughly cleaned and sanitized workspaces. Our customer service operations continue to be staffed by associates working remotely to ensure that project needs are being delivered.
Ready-to-ship workplace and residential furniture, textiles, leathers, felt and accessories from our constellation of brands, including Muuto, Fully, KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt and Edelman Leather, continue to be available for purchase; the assortment includes products for a healthy home workplace.
At the same time, our sales and marketing teams are embracing new practices fundamental to nurturing and moving our constellation of brands forward – highlighted by a virtual tour of our flagship Fulton Market Chicago space, communicating who we are, what we stand for and how we create inspiring workspaces and residences. And our product development teams are exploring ways to produce personal protective equipment for the health industry, fighting the pandemic on the front lines.
To schedule a virtual tour of Knoll at Fulton Market, please contact Patti Martin at [email protected]
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March 25, 2020
Knoll to Resume East Greenville, PA Operations
Effective March 26, 2020, Knoll will resume manufacturing operations at its East Greenville, PA manufacturing facility under a specific waiver granted under the March 19, 2020 Executive Order mandating the closure of certain business operations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We received this waiver on March 24, 2020 on the primary basis that we play a critical role in the manufacture and supply of goods and services to various life sustaining businesses. With the re-opening of the East Greenville facility, our primary North America manufacturing facilities will all be operational.
We remain committed to the health and safety of our associates and protecting their families and the community. Accordingly, all of our operations are incorporating the appropriate social distancing and other mitigation and protective procedures to protect our associates.
In addition:
- Customer service teams are working closely with clients, suppliers and distribution partners as production resumes.
- Sales associates and distribution partners, including Knoll workplace dealers, are meeting with clients via video, web and audio conferencing, continuing to bring an innovative mindset to develop plans for workplace and residential projects.
- Customer service operations continue to be staffed by associates working remotely to assure that project needs are addressed.
Ready-to-ship workplace and residential furniture, textiles, leathers, felt and accessories from the Company’s constellation of brands, including Muuto, Fully, KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt and Edelman Leather, continue to be available for purchase; the assortment includes products for a healthy home workplace.
March 20, 2020
Knoll East Greenville, PA Operations Update
Knoll is temporarily suspending production of certain workplace products at our East Greenville, PA site. This action complies with the March 19 executive order of the Governor of Pennsylvania to shut down non-life sustaining government offices and businesses to halt the spread of COVID-19. Our warehouse and distribution centers, including KnollTextiles, are not impacted by the Governor’s order; increased health and safety measures will be in place at these locations, including temperature checks.
We are working to seek a waiver to the production halt as Knoll East Greenville provides workplace products to the United States government and healthcare organizations.
We are committed to the health and safety of our associates and protecting their families and the community, and look forward to working with government leaders to reopen our East Greenville site as soon as possible.
- Our customer service teams are working closely with our clients on contingency plans as we also work with suppliers and distribution partners to assess the impact of this situation.
- Knoll manufacturing and distribution facilities in Toronto, Canada; Buffalo, NY and Michigan are currently operational with care to keeping employees safe; these facilities are manufacturing open plan office systems, height adjustable tables, conference tables and other ancillary furniture.
In addition:
- Ready-to-ship workplace and residential furniture, textiles, leathers, felt and accessories from the Company’s constellation of brands, including Muuto, Fully, KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt and Edelman Leather, are available for purchase; the assortment includes products for a healthy home workplace.
- Our sales associates and distribution partners, including Knoll workplace dealers, are meeting with clients via video, web and audio conferencing, continuing to bring an innovative mindset to develop plans for workplace and residential projects.
- Customer service operations continue to be staffed by associates working remotely from home to ensure that project needs are being assessed.
March 19, 2020
Knoll Toronto Operations Update
On March 18 the United States and Canada announced that its borders will temporarily close to “non-essential traffic” due to the coronavirus pandemic. As announced, this restriction does not impact trade and commerce.
The Knoll Toronto manufacturing site is not affected by this announcement. Both governments recognize the importance of preserving supply chains, including trucking, between both countries. In addition to Toronto, our Michigan and Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities, as well as related logistics support and warehouse operations, are 100 percent operational.
We are committed to keeping our associates as healthy and safe as possible. At the same time, we are focused on operating each of our businesses, including Knoll constellation showrooms and manufacturing and logistics sites, as effectively as possible under these challenging circumstances.
Please don't hesitate to contact your Knoll Sales Representative or Customer Service Representative with questions. As this situation evolves, we will to continue provide best practices and operational updates.
March 13, 2020
Knoll COVID-19 Best Practices and Operational Update
Knoll remains operational across our constellation. We are committed to providing the safest possible environment in our showrooms, manufacturing facilities and workrooms. The health of our associates and clients is our number 1 priority.
Here’s what we are doing to prevent the spread of illness:
Staying Informed
Our Senior Leadership Team has been monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization daily to ensure we are kept well informed on prevention measures and prepared for the potential impacts of the virus.
We have instructed our associates to remain home if ill and to practice enhanced sanitary measures at work such as washing hands frequently. We are committed to providing information as it becomes available to our associates.
Implementing Smart Working Options
It is important to our associates, dealers, clients and suppliers that our day-to-day operations remain open. To ensure that we continue to work with everyone’s health and wellness in mind, we have:
- Limited client meetings in our showrooms to no more than 10 individuals.
- Cancelled non-essential travel within North American and terminated international travel outside North America.
- Announced flexible working solutions for our associates, including remote working guidelines.
- Limited non-essential visitors to our manufacturing facilities and workrooms.
Encouraging Social Distancing
Our showrooms are open for business; however, we have cancelled all client-related, industry and community gatherings in these spaces for groups of more than 10. We have also stepped up cleaning protocols throughout our facilities.
You can count on us, our dealer partners and digital channels.
