January 2001 [<<] BOISE FIRM SEES FUTURE FOR FURNITURE THAT ADJUSTS By Brian Womack New federal ergonomic standards could help Boise-based furniture maker AD-AS, but co-owner Gary Davis said that he'd rather see his products sell on their own merits. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recently approved final ergonomic rules, which would be implemented next October. However, litigation from business groups and others could hold up that time frame. Philosophically, Davis doesn't like the government telling businesses to buy ergonomic furniture. In the long run, he said that market-driven demand for ergonomic furniture would help his industry more than federal requirements. I would rather see private industry see it as a good business decision," he said. "I think that it will certainly bring a lot of attention to height-adjustable furniture." Ergonomics, Davis said, is using tools to make humankind's relationship to tools more comfortable. This tends to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders, he said. AD-AD, which moved from Athens, Ohio, early last year, targets businesses that reflect ergonomic principles, but adds its own interpretation. AD-AS desks are adjustable to match each worker's height and comfort level - what the company calls the starting point for good ergonomics. The desks can be raised and lowered with a hydraulic handle or motor. There also are desks that have separate tops for a computer monitor and keyboard - both of which are adjustable. Some desks can be used while workers stand. Davis said that many of his industry's products come from Denmark - "ground zero for ergonomics." It's functional furniture, he said, but "ultra modern," which gives it an austere look that many Americans dislike. AD-AS sells more traditional styles. "They want more traditional wood like red oak," he said. And in the fast-paced business world, the European promises of shipping in "less than six months" just doesn't cut it for many Americans. AD-AS typically sends out an order within five days. "We have pretty lightening-quick lead times," Davis said. "The furniture industry is notorious for slow lead times." The company also customizes furniture. For example, if a customer wants a desk wider or deeper, AD-AS can do that, or can add many extra swivel points on a keyboard holder, for another example. Good ergonomics can make workers more alert, he said. The company spent $20,000 on a study by the Institute of Ergonomics at Ohio State University that said shoulder and lower-back muscle fatigue dropped with adjustable furniture use. Also, the research found less discomfort with more ergonomic furniture. The company began in 1992 as a furniture maker serving the disabled in light of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the non-disabled found the Web site and started to ask for the furniture because of its ergonomic designs. For example, some of the desks have an opening in the front that allows wheelchairs to better fit them. But people who aren't disabled like this feature so they can get closer to their work as the desk more "surrounds" them. Davis said between 30 and 40 percent of sales still go for disabled applications. AD-AS originally went by Accessible Designs - Adjustable Systems before the acronym was used to reflect the broader line of products. "We chose Boise because of its medium size, good labor market…it's a beautiful town," he said. The company has pulled in about $1 million a year, but Davis said that could rise to between $2 million and $4 million with "logical, consistent growth." The market has great growth potential, he said, as more businesses discover the benefits of ergonomically correct furniture. Although offices have advanced technologically, they've stalled with furniture improvement, he noted. The company also is looking at improving laboratory tables for scientists, though it could take a while before something goes to market. He was concerned, however, that some companies slap the name "ergonomic" on furniture that's far from it. "It's been co-opted big time, and I think any ergonomist would tell you that," he said.