Bretford Set to Introduce EDU 2.0 Classroom Furniture System

CHICAGO — May 4, 2011 — Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., manufacturer of furniture for both classroom and work environments, is taking modern learning to the next level with the introduction of EDU 2.0, the first comprehensive powered and modular technology furniture system designed for the social aspects of learning in education. The EDU 2.0 furniture line, with its common design aesthetic, includes everything from tables for interaction and mobile device carts to presentation system furniture and soft seating with power. EDU 2.0 will be officially unveiled in the Bretford Showroom (#355) during NeoCon 2011, June 13-15 in Chicago, and in Bretford’s EduComm (#200) and InfoComm (#2259) booths, June 13-17, in Orlando, FL.

According to Mikel Briggs, president of Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., EDU 2.0 is the only complete technology furniture system currently available with products that have a common visual design, are created to be used together, and allow for the use of key mobility devices and supporting visual technologies.

“The foundation of today’s learning environment involves the use of technology,” said Briggs. “Driven by both the student and the pedagogy of the instructors, our objective with EDU 2.0 is to create an environment that enables technology to be used to its fullest capabilities without any limitations caused by the furniture in the room.” He continued, “What has also become apparent is the need for space that supports interaction. It is this interaction that creates collaboration. When technology is at work in a collaborative setting, data shows that the learning experience of the student is greatly enhanced. We created the EDU 2.0 system to increase the experiential opportunities brought on by the social aspect of learning in an educational setting.”

Some of the technology furniture products that will make up the EDU 2.0 system include the following:

• Mobile device carts for charging and syncing technology

• Mobile interactive whiteboards

• Mobile presentation lecterns

• Mobile instructor desks with support for technology

• A variety of mobile tables for computers and student interaction

• Modular soft seating with power

• Cafe tables

• Student chairs and cafe chairs

All of the EDU 2.0 products are constructed from “prime” steel that has 25 to 35 percent post-consumer recycled content, and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of the product life cycle. The products feature work surface substrates with an average of 70 percent recycled content while their work surface edge details are made with TPE T-mold, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional PVC materials.

Additionally, all of the EDU 2.0 products are in the process of becoming GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certified® and approved for the Children & SchoolsSM product certification program. They are backed by Bretford’s 12-year standard warranty and one-year electrical warranty and manufactured in the United States to the highest-quality standards. Along with a standard finish offering, Bretford will provide fresh finish and edge options for the EDU 2.0 line, including a soft rubber-poured edge for some of the tables and several brand-new metallic finishes. # # #

About Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.

Bretford is a manufacturer of furniture for both classroom and work environments. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Franklin Park, Ill., Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. holds more than six decades of expertise dedicated solely to the design and manufacture of furniture solutions. With nearly 350 employees and 450,000 square feet of production space, the company offers smart furniture designs that support evolving technology, enabling institutions, organizations and corporations to increase productivity and efficiency. Bretford’s superior workmanship and environmentally compliant manufacturing and operation practices ensure dependable products, many of which are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. Bretford products are backed by a 12-year standard warranty and the industry’s best 20-year standard warranty on library furniture.