Fellowes Brands has acquired Trendway Corp., a Holland-based company specializing in office furniture systems, movable walls and seating for work environments.
“The Heeringa family has built Trendway through a commitment to strong values, good people, responsiveness to customers and a care for those around him — which aligns with our own family’s values and approach,” Fellowes Brands President and CEO John Fellowes said in a statement. “Over the past few months, we have spent time with both Don Heeringa and Bill Bundy to learn the historical culture of Trendway, and we plan to lead this business into its next chapter with a similar spirit to its deep roots while bringing greater capabilities and competitiveness to its future efforts.”
Based in Itasca, Illinois, Fellowes Brands first expanded into contract furniture through its acquisition of ESI in November 2017. The addition of Trendway to Fellowes’ portfolio is expected to create a broader offering to this channel under a trusted 50-year-old brand. The acquisition will also provide Fellowes a 500,000-square-foot U.S. furniture manufacturing capability, which will complement its Bankers Box factory in Itasca. The combination of Fellowes Brands, ESI and Trendway is expected to advance Fellowes Brands’ strategic expansion toward broad business solutions in the space.
Founded in 1968, Trendway was purchased by the Heeringa family in 1973 and has been under the leadership of Don Heeringa for 46 years.
“We credit our lasting success of over 50 years to our incredibly talented and passionate employees and their unwavering commitment to our customers. We are pleased we have found a partner like Fellowes, a fourth-generation family company, with common values and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Don Heeringa, former chairman of Trendway, in a statement. “As I approached retirement, my desire was to find a way to ensure the future growth and success of Trendway. I take great comfort in knowing that Trendway, along with Fellowes’ ownership, will ensure the positive future of the company.”
With the acquisition, Heeringa will retire from the company.
Trendway will continue to operate from Holland under the leadership of Bill Bundy, Trendway’s current president.
