Bush Industries Completes Final Phase of Separating Company Into Two Distinct Operating Divisions

JAMESTOWN, N.Y., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bush Industries, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of reliable and affordable furnishing solutions for work and home, announced today the company has completed the final phase of separating into two distinct operating divisions – Bush Furniture and bbf.  Effective immediately, each division assumes their brand name and will operate as a separate strategic business unit of Bush Industries.  

Bush Furniture will continue to focus on the retail furniture market and e-commerce channels, and bbf will continue its focus on the commercial furniture market.  Both businesses will operate autonomously with separate profit centers and dedicated resources; however, they will continue to share select services such as information technology (IT), human resources and finance.

"Over the past 18 months, Bush Industries has been aggressively transitioning to this business model," said Jim Sherbert, CEO of Bush Industries. "We've completed a successful rebranding of our divisions, built an impressive portfolio of products and services, and formed valuable strategic partnerships -- all of which results in two very strong concepts positioned for even greater growth and success.  We are excited about the transition and the future of both Bush Furniture and bbf."

To support each business unit, the company is reinvesting to enable expansion in the areas of sales, product development, marketing and distribution.  The sales organizations of each division will continue to grow with the addition of internal and independent sales representatives.  Each will have a devoted national sales force to help drive more multi-channel sales opportunities and support the expansion in the retail furniture market.

New Leadership Structure

With this transition, Bush has appointed a new leadership structure.  The two business units will be managed separately under the leadership of Patrick Theimer, president of Bush Furniture, and Jim Garde, president of bbf.  Both Theimer and Garde will report directly to Jim Sherbert.

"As current executives of Bush Industries, both Patrick and Jim bring the diverse, solid leadership experience and industry expertise needed to drive each of these businesses to the next level," added Sherbet. "I have tremendous confidence in both of them and their role in guiding Bush Furniture and bbf into the future."

Patrick Theimer joined Bush Industries more than two years ago as executive vice president of marketing and e-commerce. He has been responsible for the strategic and tactical implementation of all product and brand marketing and ecommerce design.  He brings to the role of Bush Furniture President years of executive leadership experience in ecommerce operations, marketing and channel management, and finance with companies such as eDiets, Boston Proper, Inc. and Triarc Companies.

Jim Garde has served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Bush Industries since 2006.  Through his vast executive-level financial and operations experience with Bush and companies such as Heidelberg Digital LLC and Heidelberg Web Systems, Inc., he brings to his new role a disciplined management focus and proven track record of leading company operations and increasing profitability.

An 18-Month Transition

Over the past year and a half, Bush has implemented an aggressive marketing strategy with its rebranding efforts, new product lines, and new partnership initiatives.  In August 2010, Bush announced its partnership with kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) and launched kathy ireland Office by Bush Furniture.  In June 2010, the rebranding of its commercial division as bbf created a stronger, contemporary brand, aligned to the transactional requirements of small and mid-sized businesses, as well as specific market niches such as the serious office-at-home professional.

In addition to the rebranding efforts undertaken for Bush's commercial division, Bush also organized Bush Furniture to include five main collections: kathy ireland Office® by Bush Furniture, my|space® by Bush Furniture, Bush Furniture Signature, Office Connect and Workplace Solutions.

About Bush Industries, Inc.

Bush Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of case goods and ready-to-assemble furniture designed for office and home applications. The company operates two North American divisions – BBF and Bush Furniture – along with its Rohr division in Germany and its China operations. With a 50-year legacy built on quality, safety, reliability and durability, Bush Industries is the trusted leader in designing furnishing solutions that meet work and home needs. The company is headquartered in Jamestown, N.Y., with manufacturing and distribution facilities located in western New York, Pennsylvania, China and Germany. For more information, visit www.bushfurniture.com.

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SOURCE Bush Industries, Inc.