Kimball International

Infobox_Company
company_name = Kimball International, Inc.
company_
company_type = Public (nasdaq2|KBALB)
foundation = Jasper, Indiana (1950)
location = flagicon|USA Jasper, Indiana, United States
key_people =
industry =
products =
operating_income = $1.154 billion
net_income =
num_employees = 7,560
homepage = [http://www.kimball.com www.kimball.com]

Kimball International, Inc. nasdaq2|KBALB is a manufacturer of furniture and industrial electronics. Founded by W.W. Kimball in 1857 as a piano dealership, it was discontinued after 1996 but remains one of America's oldest and most distinguished keyboard instrument manufacturers. It was at one time the largest such manufacturer. Kimball was known for its low-cost upright pianos possible due to its use of vertical integration. Kimball began manufacturing in 1886, and reached its peak activity in 1910 with 4000 pianos made per year. During this time, Kimball was a respected builder of pipe organs until World War II.

Kimball International was previously known as Jasper, Inc. In 1959, Jasper purchased the W. W. Kimball Company and, in 1974, renamed itself Kimball International. Kimball went public in 1976.

Kimball International basically consists of two groups: "The Office Furniture Group" and "Kimball Electronics". Office Furniture Group focusses on the office furniture business of the company. It comprises three distinct brand names: "Kimball Office", "National Office Furniture" and "Kimball Hospitality".

Kimball Office made its first desk in 1970, responding to market demands for high quality office furniture.The company introduced the now standard concept of in-stock inventory and quick shipment of orders, revolutionizing the industry and forcing a move away from unresponsive manufacturing. Kimball Office quickly built its reputation on a combination of high quality and value, exceptional customer service, and reliability as a supply partner for its dealers and soon became recognized as a premier supplier of traditional wood office furnishings. Building on a standard of excellence, the company expanded its offerings into a broad product line, including casegoods, systems, seating, filing, and tables.

In 1980, Kimball International answered the call for mid-priced office furniture by forming National Office Furniture. As part of Kimball International, National entered this highly competitive segment of the market with distinct advantages, including quality wood construction, stocked inventory for quicker lead times, state-of-the-art production facilities and an outstanding value for the dollar. The company grew quickly, gaining a stellar reputation for providing high-quality products and personal service at an affordable cost.

Kimball entered the lodging market in 1985, quickly becoming a premiere supplier. Kimball Hospitality has furnished over 14,000 rooms in Las Vegas' major hotels and casinos, and is the largest supplier of room furnishings to this tourist mecca.

Kimball Electronics Group, the electronic contract assemblies manufacturing arm of Kimball International, is a technology company providing design, engineering, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of electronic assemblies and circuit boards.

Kimball Electronics Group is a leading contract manufacturer of durable electronics and serves a variety of industries on a global scale. Kimball Electronics Group has facilities operating in Jasper, Indiana; Fremont, California; Tampa, Florida; Gaylord, Michigan; Hibbing, Minnesota; Reynosa, Mexico; Laem Chabang, Thailand; Bridgend, Wales; Longford, Ireland; Nanjing, China; and Poznan, Poland. These facilities employ the most modern, state-of-the-art equipment that is used in the manufacturing of high reliability products for the Automotive, Medical and Industrial markets. Kimball Electronics Group is focused on long term customer relationships and works continuously to bring value to its customers.

Kimball Electronics Group was established in 1961 to build electronic organs. In the late 1980s KEG became focused solely on contract electronic manufacturing services. Since that time, KEG has strived to be a worldwide Electronics Manufacturing Service Industry leader in providing superior services and technology.

Awards and Honours

* 2007: Kimball International was listed in 2007 by “Forbes” magazine, as one of the Best Big Companies in America.

* 2006: Kimball International was honored in 2006 by “Occupational Hazards” magazine, when its Kimball Office -Cherry Street manufacturing facility was named one of the 10 Safest Companies in America.

* 2004: Kimball International was listed in 2004 by "Fortune" Magazine as America's Most Admired Companies

Corporate statistics

Headquarters 1600 Royal Street
Jasper, Indiana 47549
U.S.A.

Annual Sales:
* 2006: $1.142 Billion
* 2005: $1.053 Billion
* 2004: $1.053 Billion
* 2003: $1.154 Billion
* 2002: $1.172 Billion
* 2001: $1.261 Billion
* 2000: $1.228 Billion Number of Employees:
* 2006: 6,797
* 2004: 8,700
* 2003: 8,700
* 2000: 10,088
* 1990: 7,971
* 1950: 30

2006 Employee Break-down:
* Indiana: 3,485
* Other United States: 1,159
* Non-US: 2,153
* Worldwide Total: 6,797

As of January 1 2007, Kimball Electronics Group has acquired the dysfunctional company Reptron Manufacturing Services based in Tampa, Florida. This acquisition includes 4 facilities in Michigan, California, Tampa, and Minnesota. Reptron specialized in end to end manufacturing solutions for medical devices. The acquisition brings 1200 more employees into Kimball. Kimball Electronics Group manufacturing now consists of products ranging from Automotive to Medical, Industrial and Furniture.

External links

* [http://www.kimball.com Kimball Corporate Website]