press room
McNichols Corporate Offices
October, 2007 – An excerpt from "Designer Metals Make Their Debut At McNichols' Home Office" by Mary E. Estes
When McNichols Company relocated its corporate headquarters to a mid-rise building overlooking Tampa Bay, the company turned its office move into a marketing opportunity. Driven by the design industry’s growing interest in metal decor, McNichols put its creativity and business savvy to work.
McNichols, a leading supplier of metal with holes, recognized that its new 35,000 sq. ft. office space would be the ideal place to showcase its metal to the design community. With the help of Tampa interior design firm Studio M, the headquarters was transformed into a virtual debut of the interior design uses for its perforated and expanded metal and wire mesh products.
While manufacturing and industrial uses remain McNichols’ focus, company leaders have known for some time that designers were gravitating to their metals for their aesthetic qualities, primarily due to the continued popularity of the high tech look. McNichols wanted to show them more ideas on its home turf.
“What better place to show the trend to designer metals than our own headquarters?” said Bill Tuxhorn, McNichols’ marketing vice president. More importantly, what better way to show their variety of uses than in an expansive new office where creativity has few boundaries.
The result proved the point. The building’s obligatory cement column – once the proverbial elephant in the room – is now handsomely wrapped in woven rod and cable wire and acknowledged for its presence. Privacy panels, long considered utilitarian, are now shown as perforated metal and wire cloth secured by mahogany frames where a hint of light passes through.
Likewise, desk consoles are transformed from function to form through perforated metal sections that cover the desk front. Placed under glass, the metal accent suggests an elegance that is uncharacteristic of workspaces made for utility alone.
“Understanding the unique traits of metal with holes is the key to being creative with the material,” said Tuxhorn. This knowledge, coupled with the company’s custom fabrication capability and the talent of Studio M guiding the interior design, made the project a win-win. McNichols employees now enjoy a distinctive work environment while being reminded of the essence of their business. Customers and office visitors can view products up close and personal.
For Further Information Contact:
Kristen Powers, Communications Specialist
Phone: (813) 282-3828, ext. 2128
Email: kristen.powers@mcnichols.com
