Exciting New Opportunity!

Workrite Ergonomics TAPS LAWRENCE AS COMPANY PRESIDENT

PETALUMA, CA. April 9, 2012 – In a move aimed at accelerating growth and investment for its industry leading ergonomic business, Workrite Ergonomics has named Charles F. Lawrence, President. Lawrence will report to parent company, Knape & Vogt CEO, Peter Martin and have full operational responsibility for the ergonomics business globally. 

At a time when workplace ergonomics is gaining popularity and importance, Lawrence suggested, “This is an ideal time to build on the great reputation of Workrite and its expertise in ergonomics. Its heritage of innovation, quality and customer centric culture are at the heart of Workrite and the ones we are determined to preserve and strengthen.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Peter Martin, CEO said, “Charlie’s mission is to build on Workrite’s position as an established leader in the ergonomics segment. The growing importance of ergonomics positions Workrite very well to address this growing need.” The ongoing development of new products tailored to the existing and developing markets emerging from Workrite’s innovation-driven approach will be a priority for the new leader.

The company also plans to continue to invest and focus on its culture of continuous improvement in speed to market and service excellence. Committing himself to this ambitious agenda, Lawrence describes his master plan for the company. “My priorities and focus are simple. The first is to maintain and enhance the brand’s deserved reputation for creating products that define the best in ergonomics in terms of quality, innovation, style and design. At the same time, we will strive to strengthen our commitments with our network of dealer partners that share our focus on superb design supported by excellent service.”

Before joining Workrite, Lawrence held general management, marketing, product development, brand management and sales leadership roles at fortune 500 and private equity backed companies including GE, Masco, Brunswick and Cerberus Capital Management. For the past six years he led the turnaround of the US division of Switzerland based Franke Kitchen Systems, the global leader and largest manufacturer of stainless steel products including kitchen sinks, foodservice systems, and washroom and beverage systems. He is a member of the Board of the North American Advisory Board of the global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council, the organization of senior corporate marketing leaders and brand decision-makers from a wide-range of global industries.

Workrite Ergonomics, Inc. (www.workriteergo.com) develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality, innovative ergonomic products for the office workplace. The company’s products are flexible, high-quality ergonomic solutions that can be tailored to any work environment and help create a healthy workplace. Workrite product offerings include an extensive line of height adjustable workcenters, adjustable keyboard systems, monitor display supports, and other accessory products. Workrite is owned by Knape & Vogt, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The parent company designs, manufactures and distributes functional hardware, storage-related components and ergonomic products. Additional information about KV is available at www.knapeandvogt.com.

For more information visit www.workriteergo.com or call 1.800.959.9675.

Media Contact: Dana Perkins, 707.780.6493 or dperkins@workriteergo.com