The History of The Worlds Most Respected Office Furniture Manufacturer

Established in 1939 as the Engineering Supply Company, the professional office furniture by Mayline has come a long way from its expertise in DRAFTING TABLES, BLUEPRINT FILES and STRAIGHTEDGES. The war years capitalized on our high quality and precision manufacturing for providing highly accurate navigational and mapping accessories for all branches of the military. Though still a market leader in manual drawing (they invented the straightedge) and large format filing, Mayline has moved to the forefront of office ergonomics. They offer the market's largest and most diverse selection of MANUAL-ASSIST, COUNTERBALANCE and ELECTRIC SIT-TO-STAND WORKSTATIONS found anywhere.

In 1924, Tiffany Industries invented the typewriter stand, which is still sold today. With time comes changes in technology, and now they integrate people, tasks, and equipment to maximize productivity in their work environments. The first mid-market, modular workstation of its kind was introduced by Tiffany Industries in 1979 and helped people evolve along with their work environments. They are keenly attuned to product quality as well, and Tiffany Industries has had the longest running "Lifetime Guarantee" in the industry – since 1926 ! Today, there furniture solutions now include MODULAR WORKSTATIONS, training room tables, as well as MOBILE PERSONAL COMPUTER STATIONS for small and home offices.

Founded in 1965, Kwik-File had humble beginnings with an owner who was primarily a regional dealer of office products, but with a unique idea for steel office organizers for desktop and flipper-door hutches. After manufacturing these products regionally for awhile, word spread quickly and it wasn't long before dealers in other parts of the country were demanding access to the unique features and space-saving benefits they provided. For the next twenty years, Kwik-File's product lines and market presence expanded dramatically, owing their success to being able to organize "paper flow" in the office more efficiently. Expertise in forms and literature storage led to mail sorting cabinets and eventually Kwik-File secured the dominant position in the marketplace for mailroom furniture. Today, MAILFLOW SYSTEMS, FORMS AND LITERATURE STORAGE, space-saving END-TABLE FILING CABINETS, and STACKABLE SHELVING, are just a few of the many products available from Kwik-File designed to improve information processing, storage and retrieval.

The newest and fastest growing division, Mayline Network Products, has spent the last five years providing security and organization to all types of networking and telephony environments. The strategy has always been to avoid the "one-size-fits-all" approach, which rarely helps customers achieve the proper solutions to their needs. Instead, Mayline Network Products always provides its clients with a "good-better-best" approach in order to meet the requirements and budgets established for any project. They offer a complete line of OPEN PLAN RACKING SYSTEMS and DATA CABINETS in a variety of aesthetics, configurations and in every price range. If they don't have what you need, they will try to build it, since customized electronic enclosures are a major part of what we do best. When the need is for RACKING SYSTEMS or ENCLOSURES for nearly every type of application in telecommunications, factory or office automation, networking or even Internet co-location, Mayline Network Products is the strategic partner for all mission critical applications.

Founded in 1914 as the Acme Card System Company, Mayline was the original manufacturer of visible record keeping equipment and accessories. To support the war effort during World War II, there was a brief change in product focus from visible record keeping products to ammunition boxes and radar parts, but then it was back to business. For over 60 years Mayline was the leader in record keeping supplies and in 1977, changed there name to Acme Visible Records, Inc. and entered the filing and storage cabinet market. Today Kwik-File Storage Systems offers the broadest range of the most economical and space-efficient HIGH-DENSITY FILING SOLUTIONS found anywhere. From the simplest of four-post shelving to ROTARY FILES, and both manual and electric MOBILE TRACK SYSTEMS, active and archival document storage is Mayline's expertise.

Zira Modular Workstations by Global Total Office

Zira is a contemporary desking solution with extensive options to personalize your work space.


For the managerial application or executive office, create a work environment that meets your work surface needs and storage requirements. Then go ahead and personalize it!

With Zira furniture you can select from the following: hundreds of components for any size or shape office, storage components that can tower to 84" high, 17 laminate finishes, 5 edge options, 9 handle options in silver, black, nickel or brass finishes, 4 glazing options on doors and modesty panels, and lastly, work surface grommets and power blocks for your electrical needs.

A beautiful productive office can also be a highly organized office.

With such an extensive array of components and options, the new Zira can accommodate small spaces through tall spaces – and of course, everything in between. Select options such as pigeon hole storage, closed door hutches, open display shelves, and fabric tackboards to personalize your work space and fulfill all your storage and organizational requirements.

Zira is ideal for almost any office application, including shared teaming areas and open plan environments.

Components can be freestanding for single workstation configurations, or joined together to form multiple work groups.With such an extensive array of components and options, the new Zira can accommodate small spaces through tall spaces – and of course, everything in between.

Zira is a functional solution to work environment efficiency and organization.

Storage can be added where needed, whether attached to the workstation or designed elsewhere in the work environment. With so many storage components to choose from, everything can truly be stored in its own place. Store it, file it, hide it, hang it or display it anyway you like.

Reviewing the Cherryman Ruby Collection RU-245N Executive Desk

For those not familiar with the Cherryman furniture line, let me tell you. This stuff is awesome. First and foremost, the entire line is typically stocked. This means when you order, your furniture is usually shipped within 48 hours. Features like this make Cherryman an excellent choice for those in search of a dependable line of office furniture.

Today we will be reviewing the RU-245N executive desk from the Cherryman line. I recently had the pleasure of installing two of these units at an upscale business in Florida. After the install, I thought it was absolutely necessary to hype this line up!

The first thing you notice with the office furniture by Cherryman is the care they take in packing there products. All of the components shipped in unscathed and in perfect condition. Secondly, before installing I was a bit taken back by the beautiful wood finish. The Ruby furniture collection has an almost glossy look that really draws you end. I must say I think it would be a bit much for a home office, but absolutely perfect for any business looking to make a classy impression on there guests.

Myself, along with two additional installers had both units up and functional in about 2 hours. Our customers were absolutely thrilled with the craftsmanship of the Cherryman line. They vowed to never buy from another manufacturer if at all possible. I found this funny because there office looked like an eclectic conglomeration of different furniture manufacturers before the install!

In the long run, as long as our customers are happy, we are too. In this case it was just an added bonus that the furniture was so simply installed and well made. My favorite component of this workstation was definitely the wardrobe cabinet. It really added a nice feature to this ready made unit. Overall, my first installation experience with the Ruby furniture line by Cherryman was a success and I highly recommend this line.

The RU-245N Executive Desk Includes:

Desk - 35 3/4 /39"D x 71 3/4"W x 29"H (180lbs.)
BBF Pedestal - (71 lbs.)
Bridge - 24"D x 48"W x 29"H (66 lbs.)
Credenza - 20"D x 71 3/4"W x 29"H (114 lbs.)
Pedestal BBF - (58 lbs.)
Hutch - 14"D x 71 1/2"W x 42"H (165 lbs.)
Wardrobe Cabinet - 24"D x 26"W x 70"H (246 lbs.)

Unit Ships in 7 Total Cartons
Finish: Cherry
Available with Left or Right Return

The Ergonomic Employee - Products That Improve Office Productivity

Comfortable and productive employees are often happier and more productive. When you combine those two factors your profit goes up. In today's post we will cover how providing your employees with quality ergonomic products will increase your profits and the overall efficiency of your people.

Typically, employees that are uncomfortable at there workstation are not happy, and being not happy means being non productive. Providing some simple ergonomic products like a keyboard tray, foot rest, and monitor arm, will actually pay dividends in the long run. Ergonomic tools like these are available for a minimal cost, and truly provide priceless results. In the long run, products like these will maximize the efficiency of your workforce and provide exponential gains.

Product 1: Keyboard Trays

Keyboard trays are available at almost every store we visit these days, and for good reason. They offer excellent ergonomic benefits for low price. With an average cost of approximately $150 it makes you wonder why millions of individuals are still sitting there keyboard on there desk surface. Utilizing a keyboard tray not only increases your amount of usable workspace, it allows you to adjust to a self-satisfying position for typing. Most models even allow you to swivel your tray back and forth for increased usability. That being said providing a quality keyboard tray to your employees will without a doubt increase there comfort level and your profits.

Product 2: Footrests

Footrests are useful at home and in the workplace. They provide lower leg and back support while sitting. The average cost of an ergonomic foot rest is around $35, for a model that is built to last. When you compare the minimal cost of the product vs. the 8 hour a day salary you are paying an employee to be working uncomfortably, this product definitely pays for itself! Quality foot rest manufacturers include Safco, ESI, and Systematix. They are easily accessible online from any office products dealer. They are one of the least expensive ergonomic products on the market and provide some of the best results. After all, everyone loves to put there feet up!

Product 3: Monitor Arms

Most individuals these days are still not up to speed on monitor arms. They are a new ergonomic trend that seem to be catching on worldwide. Last year our company OfficeAnything.com sold hundreds of these throughout the U.S. and are on pace to top last years number. The average cost of an ergonomic monitor arm is $200 and in my opinion the best $200 I ever spent. Monitor arms from companies like ESI, Systematix, and Symmetry are extremely versatile. They allow your computer screen to adjusted in nearly any direction. They also increase your usable workspace. Dual, Tri, and Quad screen monitor arms are available for those in technology intensive workplaces. When you add up all the time spent minimizing and maximizing multiple screens having a dual screen arm can be a huge time and money saver. On a side note, installing a monitor arm is extremely simple. It can be done in less than five minutes and will provide you with a lifetime of benefits. In my opinion, monitor arms are without a doubt necessary in any office. Once your try one, everyone in your office will soon be outfitted.

Overall, it is any good companies goal to maximize there workers productivity. Keeping your employees happy and comfortable is the key to this success. Hopefully you have found this post helpful and a way to increase your office efficiency. Other quality ergonomic products include office chairs, back rests, and copy holders. For more information regarding ergonomic products feel free to comment here!

Choosing The Perfect Office Chair

Choosing the right office chair for your individual needs is an integral part of everyday comfort in the office. Commonly, individuals will search out the most attractive chair possible, leaving comfort at the door. This in turn leaves you with a nice looking chair that sits like a rock. In this article we will discuss the benefits of several types of chairs that will keep you sitting comfortably all day long.

Ergonomics is a word we here quite often these days, and for good reason. It deals with the relationship between workers and their environment. When dealing with office chairs ergonomics is essential.

When purchasing an office chair ask yourself the following questions:

1.) What back height is right for me?

Typically if you are between 5' and 6' foot tall a mid-back office chair is the right choice for you. If you are over 6' I personally recommend a high back chair to support your taller frame.

2.)What weight capacity does the chair support?

Most commonly, office chairs for professionals support up to 300 lbs. However, big and tall seating usually supports up to 500 lbs. Most chairs are available in a big & tall version for a slight price increase. Buying a chair that supports your frame will ensure a long life for the chair. Typically big & tall chairs feature wider seats, backs, and arms as well.

3.)What fabric grade is the chair?

Some companies such as Lesro offer a variety of fabric grades to fit individual needs. Typically the higher the grade, the higher the price. Most online chair stores will be happy to send out samples of any fabric at no charge to you. Typically grade 1 or 2 fabrics are just fine for everyday use.

4.)What Ergonomic features does the chair have?

This is the most important aspect to consider when buying a chair.

Common features include:

TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Increase or decrease to match body weight. Allows you to rock comfortably, without heavy pushing, reducing muscle fatigue.

CHAIR TILT LOCK

Lock the tilt movement in position(s) to accommodate your working posture. Allows you to lock your chair in a comfortable and supportive position. (can be either single position or infinite style).

SEAT HEIGHT

Raise or lower to allow your feet to rest flat on the floor. Avoids pressure under your thighs, easing blood flow.

SEAT DEPTH

Change the depth of the seat to accommodate the length of your thighs. Keeps your back in contact with the backrest while avoiding pressure behind your knees.

FORWARD SEAT ANGLE

Allows chair to tilt forward changing the angle of your thighs in relation to the floor. Helps reduce disc pressure during forward leaning tasks.

ARM HEIGHT

Raise or lower to support your forearms. Reduces muscular effort in neck and shoulders, minimizing risk of pain.

WATERFALL SEAT EDGE

Reduces pressure at the back of the knee, contributing to good blood flow.

How To Avoid Un-Necessary Shipping Costs when Purchasing Office Furniture

Commonly, the most expensive hurdle to cover when purchasing office furniture is the cost of shipping. While there are many online office furniture dealers that offer free shipping, additional services including inside delivery, lift gate service, rural location, and others can cost you money. In this post we will cover some simple and easy methods to avoid these charges. After all, saving money is a good thing!

The first thing to consider after your office furniture purchase is shipment coordination. Commonly it will take any dealer a few days to receive, process, and hear from the manufacturer in regards to an estimated lead time for your products. If your facility has no dock, is in an upstairs office, and is located in a rural area. Additional shipping charges can arise. Upon receiving your tracking number, ask your office furniture provider what these costs are. Any friendly representative will help you out big time.

One tip that has saved many, is having a couple of able bodies available at the time of delivery. Most larger items are shipped knocked down or KD to help you avoid heavy lifting. This is a huge benefit when receiving items curbside and will save you money. Shipping companies don't normally advertise this info because they want you to purchase additional services.

For smaller items like office chairs for home and business use, I always recommend taking the items off the truck yourself. Once the boxes are on the ground, open them. Typically most chairs will only require you to put the 5 star wheel base on. This takes all of about 5 minutes and you will be able to wheel your chairs inside, instead of carrying them. The common charge for inside delivery is about $100 - $150 depending on order size. A lift gate can run you another $100. By simply, placing the base on the chair outside you can wheel them in yourself and save your company big time!

Knowing your freight company is also an important factor in saving money. Items that ship UPS or FedEx are typically brought inside for you already. Ask your dealer to let you provide you with the freight company being used to see if they are offering any specials or shipping coupons on there website. Again, a little due diligence really pays dividends.

Overall, any good office furniture dealer will provide the shipping information to you as soon as possible. Our personal policy is to save customers as much time and money as we can, by eliminating un-necessary add-ons and shipping charges. Typically, we recommend these services for handicapped individuals, or elderly folks who truly require the assistance. At the end of the day, most customers do choose to carry items in themselves and thank us later for the money saved. Your average office furniture item weighs between 50 and 150 lbs. From desks to office chairs these items can be easily handled by one or two people. In this economy, save your money and use it for things that are truly necessities!

Three Tips for Maintaining Office Chairs

In today's world purchasing an ergonomic and supportive office chairs is quite important. Being productive at work is essential and spending some extra money on quality office chairs is a great investment. With all the talk about what chairs to purchase and what chairs offer the most ergonomic benefits, how do you maintain your investment?

Often we are asked by customers for some simple tips to practice, that will ensure a long life for there office chairs. After all, why spend all that money on a chair and not take proper care of it. That being said, I have formulated a list of three simple tips that will help to extend the life of any office chair.

Tip 1.) Fabric Maintenance

Approximately once a month it is important to perform basic fabric maintenance for your chair. Even the top selling leather office chairs are easy to maintain and common car leather products will work great. Using simple leather cleaners on your chair will ensure that the leather doesn't crack or fade will age. Practicing this tip will keep your office chairs looking fabulous for much longer. For fabric chairs, using a mild carpet cleaner with no ammonia will be acceptable. There are office chair cleaners on the market that work well. However, using a soft brush or sponge and household carpet cleaner will work wonders. Pen marks, stains, and most other imperfections will be erased quickly with a quick scrub. Overall, the longer you leave a stain, the harder they are to remove so keeping a bottle of cleaner in a desk drawer is ideal.

Tip 2.) Caster Maintenance

When purchasing office chairs, most individuals never consider the type of casters that are on the chair. It is important to consider what type of surface you will be using your chair on predominantly. For carpet, go with carpet caster. For wood or tile floors, go with hardwood casters. If you have already purchased your chair, do not fear! Simple maintenance can extend the life and quality of your casters. Once a year, it is beneficial to remove the casters from the base to clean and oil them. Rotate the wheels a few times to clean any debris (paperclips, tacks, and food are the most common). Leaving these items in your chair wheel can cause rust and damage. While your casters are removed, oil the wheel stem and replace. This will help to ensure your chair base and caster rotate and glide easily.

Tip 3.) Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

This tip may sound daunting, however it is quite simple. The first step is to remove the seat from the lift cylinder. To do this, simply place one foot on the chair base and pull up from the seat or arms. Once removed, place a few drops of oil or wd40 on your cylinder. Once oiled, place your chair base back on the cylinder, press down, and then sit in your chair to ensure the base has seated properly with the cylinder. Finally, adjust your chair height a few times to spread the oil properly through the cylinder.

Hopefully, these simple tips will come in useful. If you have not serviced your chair in years, don't worry. It's never too late to start. Most chairs are built to last. However, they are not built to operate properly forever without basic preventative maintenance. Best of luck to you all!