Kimball International is a leading manufacturer of furniture for the workplace, health, and education markets. Based in Jasper, Indiana, USA, the company has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, design innovation, and exceptional customer service since its founding in 1950. It was originally known for its pianos and organs and has since successfully transitioned into furniture manufacturing and has grown into a trusted name across multiple industries.
The brand identity of Kimball International is deeply rooted in its rich history, which dates back to the 19th century through its predecessor, W.W. Kimball & Company, a renowned piano and organ manufacturer. The name “Kimball” itself comes from William Wallace Kimball, who founded the original piano company in 1857. However, the modern Kimball International began in 1950 as Jasper Corporation, and it initially focused on manufacturing television cabinets. The article delves into the evolution of the Kimball International logo since its inception.
The Genesis of the Kimball International Logo (1974 – Present)
The original Kimball International logo that was crafted after the founding of the company in 1974 featured the combination of a circular emblem and the brand name in a sans-serif typeface. The emblem of the company is a throwback to its legacy as a piano and organ manufacturer. It showed the image of the keyboard in parallel black and white pieces encapsulated within a circle. The top and bottom segments of the circle are filled black. To its right is the brand name in a black sans-serif typeface where the word “Kimball” is written in bold, while the word “International” is written in a thin and light font.
The Elements of the Kimball International Logo
Font
The wordmark in the Kimball International logo is written using a clean, modern sans-serif typeface. The design is straightforward and minimalist and consists solely of the company name in a bold, geometric sans-serif font. The letters are evenly spaced and do not include any decorative elements or embellishments. The simplicity of the font aligns with the company’s focus on contemporary commercial furnishings and design.
Colour
The colour of the Kimball International logo is black. The use of solid black further enhances the logo’s modern and timeless appearance. It brings out a strong contrast and high visibility across various backgrounds and media.
The History of Kimball International
Kimball International traces its roots to 1950, when a group of investors led by Arnold F. Habig took over the struggling Midwest Manufacturing Co. in Jasper, Indiana. The company was initially named Jasper Corporation, and it began by producing cabinets for televisions to capitalise on the postwar consumer electronics boom.
In 1959, the company made a significant move by acquiring W.W. Kimball & Company, which was a renowned piano and organ manufacturer. This helped diversify its product offerings and laid the groundwork for the forthcoming successes of the Kimball brand. By 1961, Jasper Electronics Manufacturing Company was established to produce electronic organs, which further expanded the company’s reach into musical instruments.
In July 1974, after giving a thought to the growing strength and recognition of the Kimball brand, the company officially changed its name to Kimball International, Inc. Two years later, it went public with an initial offering of 500,000 shares and began trading on NASDAQ.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Kimball International expanded aggressively in the office furniture sector. In 1979, it acquired the Artec brand of office furniture, and in 1980, it launched the National Office Furniture division to serve the mid-market segment. These moves allowed Kimball International to offer a comprehensive range of wood office furniture for various market segments.
The company also entered the hospitality market in 1985 and quickly established itself as a premier supplier of custom-designed furnishings for hotels and resorts worldwide. In 1992, Kimball acquired Harpers, Inc., a manufacturer of metal office furniture. This acquisition further diversified its product portfolio and helped it expand into the largest segment of the office furniture market at the time.
Kimball International has long been recognised for its family-led management and commitment to community values. The Habig and Thyen families maintained significant control over the company, which fostered a stable leadership environment. It also developed a corporate ethic that was focused on community involvement, sustainable timberland development, and employee empowerment.
In the early 2000s, Kimball International exited the music business to focus on its core furniture and electronics operations. The company continued to grow through strategic acquisitions and expansions, which included international ventures in Thailand and Poland.
A major transformation occurred in 2014 when Kimball International spun off its electronics segment, Kimball Electronics, as a separate publicly traded company. This move allowed Kimball International to sharpen its focus exclusively on furniture. This segment continued to remain in focus under brands such as Kimball, National, and Kimball Hospitality.
On March 8, 2023, HNI Corporation announced its intention to acquire Kimball International, a deal that was completed on June 1, 2023. Today, Kimball International is a subsidiary of HNI Corporation and continues its legacy as a leader in innovative, design-driven commercial furnishings. The history of Kimball International is marked by strategic diversification, adaptive leadership, and a sustained commitment to quality and community. This has secured its place as a respected name in the commercial furniture industry.
Interesting Facts About Kimball International
- The origins of Kimball International can be traced back to W.W. Kimball & Company, which was once the world’s largest piano and organ manufacturer. The company produced over 400,000 reed organs and became a major force in the music industry before transitioning to furniture.
- The company that eventually became Kimball International started as Jasper Corporation in 1950, initially making TV cabinets. It acquired W.W. Kimball & Company in 1959 and later leveraged the strong reputation of the Kimball brand to enter the furniture industry. The company produced its first desk in 1970.
- Kimball International operates several well-known brands, including Kimball, National, Interwoven, Etc., David Edward, D’style, and Kimball Hospitality. These brands serve the workplace, health, and hospitality markets globally.
- Kimball Hospitality has furnished over 14,000 rooms in Las Vegas hotels and casinos and has supplied custom-designed furnishings for more than 60,000 guest rooms worldwide. This makes it a leader in the hospitality sector.
- In 2014, Kimball International spun off its electronics division, Kimball Electronics, to focus exclusively on furniture. This strategic move sharpened its vision and allowed greater specialisation in its core markets.
- Kimball International has been recognised as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies. It is ranked 13th in the consumer goods category and 83rd overall out of 500 companies to reflect its commitment to ethical practices and sustainability.
- The last Kimball grand piano was produced in 1996 and was signed by every worker and company executive. It remains on display at the company’s showroom in Jasper, Indiana, and symbolises the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the company.
- In 2023, Kimball International was acquired by HNI Corporation, which further strengthened its position in the global commercial furnishings industry.
- The company emphasises a “culture of caring” to foster strong connections with employees, customers, and communities. The company is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to craftsmanship.
- Based in Jasper, Indiana, Kimball International serves customers worldwide and employs approximately 2,500 people. This makes it a significant employer and community presence in southern Indiana.
Finally
The Kimball International logo symbolises the transformation of the company from a piano manufacturer to a diversified, global furniture leader. The core emphasis of the logo on the Kimball name has remained constant. Besides, it serves as a symbol of quality, innovation, and trust for generations of customers.