For More Information:

Taylor deRoo, President

The Worden Company

tderoo@wordencompany.com

616-283-1020

For Immediate Release

The Worden Company marks 75 years, ready “to become” more 

HOLLAND, Mi., 9 December, 2024.   This month, the Worden Company celebrates its 75^th year in business with new leadership and growth opportunities that build on the wood furniture manufacturer’s traditional library market.  Founded in 1949, the company has been a leader in the library furniture industry for public and private libraries throughout the country.  Worden has furnished thousands of libraries in all 50 states and practically every county in America. 

“The function and aesthetics of library interiors have evolved over the years, but the library’s role as a vital community center has remained constant,” notes Worden’s President, Taylor deRoo.  deRoo has been on the Worden leadership team since 2018 but was named company President this past January.  This past year, the company has taken on a more focused role in assisting architects and designers with their custom furniture needs.  Worden understands that the need of creating spaces that are dynamic is at an all-time high – and libraries are no different. Worden has been grounded on incredible relationships in the library market across the country.  Yet, they see great growth potential of taking their capabilities outside the library, as well.

The Worden Company names means “to become” in Dutch, and fittingly In recent years, has added two new segments to their business: private label production for other brands, as well as a unique distribution partnership with a high-design Italian furniture company. 

Worden’s ability to do specialty woodwork at scale provides the company a unique opportunity to support other brands.  deRoo says “we like to say we have the heart of a craftsman, and the discipline of a manufacturer.”  Worden coined this idea as crafted production. The company builds one-off pieces of furniture, such as custom desks and reception stations, but can also adapt to higher production quantities.  “We believe we fill the gap between artisan studio and mass production,” notes deRoo.

Worden has built strong relationships with some of the most recognized names in the contract furniture industry through their willingness to work with niche materials.  The company values its partnership with these established brands and respects the distribution they have built in the market.  Worden’s leadership believes the company has a few notable capabilities that make these partnerships a win-win.

Worden has also worked with well-known design entrepreneurs, Jean Stoffer and Grace Start, of Stoffer Home with a private-label collection of coffee and dining tables. 

A few years ago, Worden launched a distribution partnership with Italian furniture brand, True Design (www.truedesign.it), and set-up True Design North America.  Worden has been very active over the last 24 months in meeting with interior designers across the country who are looking for alternative furniture products and solutions in their design planning.  Worden has received a very positive response from the design community and is excited to continue to push the name in corporate, education, hospitality and library settings. 

Worden’s active portfolio diversification is positioning them well for the years to come.  deRoo shared “We’re having some fun right now.  We’re meeting with a lot of people to share our story.  Whether that’s architects, designers, furniture dealers, librarians or building contractors – we want folks to know of our capabilities.  I love the heart our employees bring every day.  We’re passionate about what we do and excited for the next 75 years.”