Haworth Deepens Canadian Roots with Strategic Tayco Acquisition

TORONTO, ON – February 25, 2026 – Global commercial furniture giant Haworth Inc. has significantly expanded its Canadian manufacturing footprint by acquiring a majority shareholding in Tayco, a respected Toronto-based manufacturer of office furniture and casegoods. The move signals a strategic pivot towards localized production and supply chain resilience in a rapidly evolving North American market.

A Strategic Bet on Canadian Soil

The acquisition solidifies Haworth’s long-standing presence in Canada, where the Michigan-based company has operated for over half a century. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the strategic rationale is clear: leveraging Tayco’s established manufacturing prowess to better serve the Canadian market. This move comes as the Canadian office furniture market is projected to grow steadily, with forecasts estimating its value will climb from approximately USD 1.32 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 1.78 billion by 2033.

This investment is more than just a line on a balance sheet; it represents a deeper commitment to the Canadian economy and workforce. "Haworth has been active in Canada for more than 50 years," said Franco Bianchi, President and CEO of Haworth, in a statement. "With Tayco, even more Canadian workers will be part of our story through direct manufacturing at the Toronto facility. This is the next chapter in our Canadian commitment, and it gives our customers across the public and private sectors more choice in how they meet their Canadian content and supply chain resilience goals with world-class solutions."

The emphasis on supply chain resilience is particularly timely. In recent years, global disruptions have highlighted the vulnerabilities of long-distance sourcing. By bringing production closer to its customer base, Haworth can offer shorter lead times, greater reliability, and enhanced flexibility - key advantages in a competitive industry where project timelines are critical. This shift towards regional manufacturing aligns with a broader market trend where businesses are prioritizing local sourcing to mitigate risk and support domestic economies.

Tayco's New Chapter: A Legacy Reinforced

For Tayco, a company celebrating its 50th anniversary, the partnership marks the beginning of a new era. Founded in 1976, Tayco has carved out a strong reputation for operational efficiency and high-quality manufacturing from its more than 200,000-square-foot facility in Toronto. The company, which reported revenues as high as CAD $58.9 million in recent years, has already been investing in its future, recently expanding its facility and integrating advanced automation like HOMAG edge banding technology to boost output and precision.

Under the new arrangement, Tayco will continue to operate as an independent entity, led by its current President, Bill Melnik, and his senior management team. This structure is designed to ensure continuity for its employees, customers, and extensive dealer network, preserving the culture and open-line market approach that have defined the company.

"Tayco has always been proud of our Canadian roots and our reputation for high-quality manufacturing," stated Bill Melnik. "Joining Haworth allows us to invest for the long term, bring our Canadian-manufactured products to more customers domestically and internationally, and contribute to Haworth's global success while keeping our operations and jobs in Canada." This move provides Tayco with the backing of a $2.57 billion global powerhouse, opening doors to new markets and resources while safeguarding its Canadian identity and workforce.

Reshaping the Modern Workplace

This acquisition is not just about manufacturing logistics; it's about adapting to the fundamental shifts in how and where people work. The rise of hybrid and flexible work models has transformed the purpose of the physical office, turning it into a hub for collaboration, culture, and connection. Consequently, the demand for adaptable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing furniture solutions has surged.

Both Haworth and Tayco are well-positioned to meet these evolving needs, with strong commitments to sustainability and product innovation. Haworth, a pioneer in corporate social responsibility, has set ambitious goals to reduce its emissions by 2050 and has operated its North American facilities as zero-waste-to-landfill since 2009. The company actively promotes a circular economy, designing products for longevity and recyclability.

Tayco shares this eco-conscious ethos, utilizing 100% recycled particle board, recyclable metals, and low-emission materials in its products. The company's focus on sustainable packaging and manufacturing processes, such as using powder coat paint to minimize waste, complements Haworth’s global ESG strategy. By manufacturing locally in Toronto, the partnership will also significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, providing a tangible benefit for clients focused on their own environmental impact reporting.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The consolidation places Haworth in a stronger competitive position within the crowded Canadian market, which includes major players like Steelcase, MillerKnoll, and Teknion. By integrating Tayco's Canadian-made products into its portfolio, Haworth's extensive dealer network gains a powerful new selling point.

"Our dealers are trusted partners to governments, institutions, and businesses in their communities," noted Susan Carpenter, Regional Vice President for Canada at Haworth. "This acquisition gives them a stronger story to tell about local investment, jobs, and Canadian-manufactured options within the Haworth portfolio."

For clients, the benefits are multifaceted. Beyond supporting the local economy, they gain access to a wider range of solutions with the assurance of shorter lead times and a more resilient supply chain. The move is expected to unlock new opportunities for growth in Ontario, with Haworth alluding to the potential for expanded production capacity at the Toronto facility. As businesses continue to re-imagine their physical spaces, this strategic partnership between a global leader and a Canadian manufacturing stalwart is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of work environments across the country.