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November 25, 2019 2019 Fact Book: Doing Business in Central Mass.

AIS: Disrupting the Industry Through Innovation and Sustainability

Thirty years ago, AIS entered the furniture manufacturing space with one main objective: to become one of the most highly regarded office furniture manufacturers in the industry. Thanks to its superior products, industry-best lead times, attractive pricing, top-notch product design, groundbreaking manufacturing methods and unparalleled sustainability, AIS has achieved that goal.

What products does AIS offer?

AIS is a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture for private offices, meeting rooms, open plan, cafeterias and more. Founded in 1989, the company is known for offering market-relevant, feature-rich product lines that entice designers and support the diverse needs of end-users, while offering exceptional value. AIS is an innovator in sustainable, lean manufacturing, lead-time performance and manufacturing flexibility.

Through a robust network of expert dealers, AIS employees strive to continually break new ground with inventive products and processes, and unwavering dedication to customers and community. AIS has established itself as a partner of choice—whether furnishing a start-up space or fulfilling a new vision for a Fortune 500® firm.

AIS has been headquartered in Massachusetts from its inception. Why are you such a champion for the Commonwealth?

AIS is proud of its Massachusetts roots and reinvested more than $30 million in 2018 into the Massachusetts economy by supporting local businesses and suppliers.

When AIS outgrew its former Hudson, Massachusetts facility a few years ago, I refused to consider moving AIS’s manufacturing facility to Mexico or another state in the U.S., even though there were options with less expensive labor and operating costs. I was adamant about keeping AIS’s operations in the Commonwealth. When AIS moved to Leominster, consolidated its manufacturing operations from six buildings into one and added a new furniture showroom, the company had a 20 percent profit increase, solidifying it as the largest office furniture manufacturer in New England and one of the largest in the country.

What “green” practices has AIS adopted?

You could say that sustainability is part of our DNA. Our products contain 40 percent recycled materials and more than half of the power used during manufacturing is returned to the grid via 10,000 rooftop solar panels. We have earned recognition by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (A.I.M) as a leader in sustainability.

All AIS systems are SCS Indoor Advantage™ certified for air quality, we hold BIFMA e3 level® certification on our products, and we can help customers gain points toward LEED® certification for new and renovated environments.

AIS has made investments in emerging manufacturing technologies, alternative energy, and carbon offsetting that have helped bring our carbon footprint to almost zero. Our partnership with ANEW helps ensure our used furniture has new life at nonprofits and public agencies.

What awards has AIS received?

AIS has been a recipient of the Office Furniture Dealers Alliance (OFDA) Dealers’ Choice Awards for the past 11 years. Additionally, AIS has recently won numerous local awards, including the Boston Business Journal 2019 Corporate Citizenship Award and the Worcester Business Journal 2018 Manufacturing General Excellence Award. AIS was named Manufacturer of the Year for 2018 by the State Manufacturing Caucus and is a winner of the esteemed Shingo Prize for Lean Manufacturing.

How is AIS involved in community?

I promised the mayor of Leominster that AIS would be involved with its local community and help it grow and prosper. Since then, AIS has brought over 600 new jobs to Leominster, helping to decrease the unemployment rate in this community from 11 percent to less than 5 percent.

AIS has been involved in community-minded efforts since the company’s inception with even more outreach in recent years. AIS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts have been branded the “Boost Program,” which initially aimed to boost employee morale by holding fun get-togethers and giving out tickets to family-friendly shows or events. As the program grew and evolved, a community involvement and charitable component became very important to the executive staff and AIS employees. For example, whenever we held a clothing or donation drive, people loved being involved and contributing. Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way of North Central MA, American Red Cross, and Wounded Warriors are some of the numerous organizations AIS is regularly involved with.

AIS is focused on giving back to the community through outreach programs as well as attracting young talent into the manufacturing industry. As a member of the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I am not only committed to providing support to those in need but also dedicated to helping grow the Central Massachusetts economy, reducing unemployment in the state and keeping manufacturing in Massachusetts.

What differentiates AIS from your competitors?

Today, with over 800 employees and more than a million square feet of office, showroom and factory space, AIS is a leader in diversity with over 30 countries represented in the total employee population and more than 250 women in its workforce.

A commitment to superior products with industry-beating lead times and attractive prices has helped AIS earn annual sales of more than $220 million.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, AIS embraces the same principles that helped us grow into an industry leader, committed to our employees, customers and the planet.

AIS

Address: 25 Tucker Drive, Leominster, MA 01453

Phone: 978-562-7500

Website: www.ais-inc.com

CEO/President: Bruce Platzman, President & CEO (bplatzman@ais-inc.com)

Year Founded: 1989

Number of employees: Over 800