COVID-19 UPDATE FROM KI Skip to nav Home About Us Explore This Section KI History A Brief History Innovative product solutions and customization is the cornerstone of KI, continuing a tradition established at the company’s inception in 1941 as Krueger Metal Products, Inc. in Aurora, Ill. The war effort made manufacturing resources scarce. Daily, founder Al Krueger would call on steel companies to purchase materials to manufacture the company’s first folding chairs. The scrap materials available determined what he could produce, a novel and flexible way of manufacturing. Even today, the environmentally conscious company finds new ways to use resources wisely and innovatively. In 1945, Krueger moved its headquarters to Green Bay, Wis. to support the company’s continued growth. By the 1950s, Krueger employed approximately 50 people, produced 500 chairs a day and posted sales of just less than $500,000. In 1964, the Tupelo, Miss. plant was established. That year, the company sold just less than $4 million of folding and multi-purpose chairs and tables. The Manitowoc, Wis. plant was established in 1984 and sales topped $66 million. By 1986, when the international division was established, the company maintained market leadership in commercial sales yet 53% of sales volume was in contract sales. Company growth continued with employment at more than 1,000 and sales totaling more than $125 million. The company succeeded in breaking into the top 10 in contract furniture sales. In 1988, Krueger, Inc. combined its commercial and contract furniture divisions, becoming Krueger International and establishing itself as KI. In addition, Pallas Textiles was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary. KI entered the 90s in a whirlwind of growth and acquisition. The Winona, Miss. plant was established in 1991, the Pembroke, Ontario plant opened in 1992. In 1994, KI became the first 100 percent ISO 9001 certified furniture manufacturer. Then, in 1998, KI acquired AGI, Spacesaver and KI-LA (ADD); and the Bonduel, Wis. and Pontotoc, Miss. plants were established. KI acquired the KI-Kentucky plant (Period) in 1999. KI evolved from a manufacturing-driven company to a marketing-driven company and became the fastest-growing company in the contract furniture industry during this decade. Today, KI is approaching $700 million in sales and ranks as the sixth-largest contract furniture manufacturer in the industry. KI employs nearly 3,000 people and currently operates nine manufacturing facilities around the globe. We understand that we couldn’t have enjoyed the continuous growth and success without the support of our employees, the communities in which we work and our valued customers. We give back in every way we can, both through extensive civic involvement and through sustainable practices that go far beyond the minimum requirements. KI continues to grow as we keep faith with the principles that have made us one of the world’s leading contract furniture companies: listening to our customers; serving their needs; supporting our community; and protecting our environment. With that as our foundation, we hope to continue providing smart contract furniture solutions to the markets we serve, including educational, university, healthcare, business and government. Executive Team Dick Resch: Executive Chairman of the Board Brian Krenke: CEO Connect With Us Get in touch with a local sales rep who can answer questions or help you with your order. Find a Sales Specialist Corporate Office 1330 Bellevue Street Green Bay, WI 54302 800.424.2432 info@ki.com Stay in Touch As a trusted market resource, we furnish knowledge. Join our conversation and stay in touch with KI. Subscribe to Updates © 2021 KI Legal/Privacy