Steelcase celebrates more than 25 years in India with inaugural Work Better Conference

Steelcase, a global leader in office furniture, proudly marks over 25 years of innovation and leadership in transforming workspaces across India. Since its initial joint venture, Steelcase has steadily expanded its presence, offering 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. To commemorate this significant milestone, Steelcase hosted its first Work Better Conference in Asia, held in Bengaluru, India. This premier event brought together top industry professionals, providing a platform for discussing the latest trends and innovative solutions in office design and functionality.

Attendees of the conference had the opportunity to engage with a distinguished panel of experts,
including:
 Lalit Ahuja, CEO of ANSR
 Dr. Arvind Subramanian, VP of Human Resources at Reliance
 Saleem Bhatri, Dean of the Faculty of Design at CEPT University
 Sunil Suresh, CEO of Stanley Lifestyles
These thought leaders shared their insights on the evolving landscape of workspaces and the critical role of design in fostering collaboration and productivity.

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.
Tirthankar Basu, India Managing Director of Steelcase, shared his enthusiasm about the new
product, stating, We are excited to introduce the Karman® High Back chair to our 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. The year 2024 stands as a turning point for Steelcase, as it pledges to serve a dual role as both 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. 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.

We are 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.
Our global product, Personality Plus, 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 consumer.
– Samantha Giam, Vice President, Marketing, Asia Pacific
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.
As Steelcase celebrates over 25 years in India, the inaugural Work Better Conference underscores its commitment to innovation and local collaboration. By partnering with CEPT University and expanding its product range with broadening SimplyIndia collection with products from Stanley Lifestyles, Steelcase blends global excellence with local craftsmanship. These efforts enhance the design community and make high-quality, culturally rich products accessible to both Indian and global markets. Steelcase looks forward to continuing its journey of creating inspiring, productivity-boosting workspaces in India.