SMI - Open

SMI has designed, manufactured and marketed shelving and office systems furniture since the 1960's. I joined the family business in 1964 and have been actively involved in the design and manufacturing process since that time. In late 2000, we began a quest to develop a new and comprehensive line of systems furniture which would address virtually all of the issues of the office work environment now, and into the future. The name "OPEN" was selected to reflect the freedom of design and configuration flexibility which these products offer.

The design concepts for OPEN began with an attempt to free our minds of "the way we have always done things" We tried simply to determine that our objectives and to develop the best ways to achieve them. The questions and answers evolved as research and development work proceeded. "Keep it simple" and "form follows function" became phrases which were repeated many times. Prototypes were changed over and over until the best and most logical solutions were found. To hold costs down, we have simplified the manufacturing processes. Installation is simple and straightforward. Layout and configuration options have virtually no limits or constraints. Cable and electric power management issues have been fully addressed and engineered into the system.

OPEN is "Made in America" with nearly all components being manufactured at our 150,000 square foot plant in Ringgold, Georgia, thus ensuring control over quality and production. We believe the OPEN Sets a new standard for office system furniture.