Steelcase Introduces New Task Chair at NeoCon 2007

CHICAGO, June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Steelcase Inc. , a global office environments manufacturer, today announced the latest addition to its Alive Seating(TM) portfolio, the Amia(TM) chair, at NeoCon 2007, the World's Trade Fair for Interior Design and Facilities Management. Intuitive and ergonomically supportive, Amia provides state of the art seating technology with clean and simple lines at a mid level price point.

"Steelcase's goal was to design an aesthetically simple task chair that encompasses a high-level of ergonomic seating technology," said Bruce Smith, manager of industrial design, Steelcase North America. "People come in various shapes and sizes, and Amia is designed to fit most any body type with customizable comfort."

The chair's signature feature is the incorporation of Alive Seating(TM) technology, which allows for dynamic movement and user control. Chairs featuring Alive Seating also possess a strategic approach to sustainability. Alive Seating technologies can be found in Steelcase's Leap(R), Think(R), Siento(TM) and Move(TM) chairs and some have been licensed for use in airline and automotive seating.

Designed by Thomas Overtun of IDEO, Amia senses the user and moves with the individual, leveraging Steelcase's LiveBack(R) technology. A system of flexors within the chair's support zone move up and down the back to fit the user comfortably. The seat is uniquely constructed and contoured to provide seated comfort for long term sitting. Amia comes standard with seat depth adjustment and height, width, pivot and depth adjustable arms allowing for maximum user control and fit.

"Amia is ideal for environments requiring multiple-shift use, such as a call center or 24-hour healthcare facility where task chairs are in use for long periods of time," said Jody Hanson, marketing director for Steelcase seating. "Amia features time-tested components that are durable and flexible enough to accommodate this type of use."

Amia is composed of materials approved by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) as safe for human and environmental health and will be Indoor Advantage(TM) certified, helping to meet LEED certification criteria. The chair will also undergo a lifecycle assessment to measure environmental impact throughout the product's useful life. Amia incorporates up to 30 percent recycled materials and is up to 98 percent recyclable.

Other chair features include: -- Work chairs or stool versions -- Sewn or non-sewn versions -- Armless, height-only or fully-adjustable arms -- Casters or glides -- Options in any Steelcase upholstery, healthcare fabrics or customer's own material -- Three available colors: platinum, black, and an optional polished aluminum base.

Amia will first be introduced first in North America and begins shipping to customers in February 2008.

About Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase serves customers through a network of nearly 900 independent dealers and approximately 13,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 revenue was $3.1 billion. Learn more at http://www.steelcase.com/.