Haworth Makes Strategic Investment in Hightower, Which Will Remain Independently Operated With Its Existing Management Team

Hightower has announced that Haworth has become its strategic investor. The company will continue to operate independently, with its management team and open product line model unchanged, and its brand portfolio will remain centered on Hightower Studio while continuing its European brand partnerships. ^¹

Hightower, a commercial furniture manufacturer characterized by family founding and female leadership, has announced that Haworth has become its strategic investor. The company will continue to operate independently, with its existing management team unchanged: Natalie Hartkopf serves as CEO and co-owner, and Jenna Geigerman serves as President and COO. It will also continue as an open product line manufacturer.

Hartkopf said that since its founding, Hightower has been built around the belief that "design should be thoughtful, human-centered and responsible," and that Haworth shares this belief. Dealers and design partners will see the familiar Hightower, with stronger momentum.

This investment connects 2 family businesses that share a common vision and values, and it also reflects Haworth's ongoing commitment to brand stewardship and to accelerating Hightower's growth.

For more than two decades, Hightower has built a curated brand portfolio while maintaining an independent perspective: centered on its own brand Hightower Studio, complemented by long-term partnerships with +Halle, Ocee & Four Design and Ondarreta, forming a reputation for design leadership.

Haworth President and CEO Franco Bianchi said that Haworth looks for partners who focus on the long term rather than the quarter. Hightower has a clear strategy, excellent products and a genuine commitment to people and the planet; this investment adds choice for customers and is an opportunity to build on Hightower's existing work.

At the core of Hightower's product portfolio is its own brand Hightower Studio, designed and manufactured in High Point, North Carolina. At the same time, through partnerships with European brands such as +Halle, Ocee & Four Design and Ondarreta, it offers domestic, imported and partially domestic product portfolios for modern commercial interiors.