HNI Corporation Plans to Close Wayland Facility in 2027
HNI Corporation announced it will exit its Wayland, New York, manufacturing facility in 2027. The Corporation intends to consolidate production into its other North American facilities over the coming year. HNI expects the consolidation to improve productivity and strengthen operations while meeting capacity requirements and creating enhanced experiences for its customers and trade partners. All products currently produced at the Wayland facility will shift to existing facilities across the HNI manufacturing network, with no anticipated changes in the product portfolio. The Gunlocke brand and its products will continue to be an important part of the HNI portfolio, the company said. "Closing the facility is a difficult decision given the hard work and expertise of the Wayland team. We are grateful for our Wayland members' dedication and craftsmanship, and we are committed to providing support and resources throughout the transition. This is a strategic change that aligns with our continued network optimization journey. We are announcing the consolidation a year in advance as part of our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for our members and our customers," said Brandon Bullock, HNI's COO. HNI estimates the consolidation will save approximately $7.5M-$8M annually once fully mature. The consolidation of Wayland production into HNI's manufacturing centers of excellence was partially enabled by the strategic integration of Kimball International. Total cost synergies associated with the integration of KII are now anticipated to total $68M by end of 2028, including ongoing initiatives in procurement and the maturation of previously announced network optimization projects. HNI anticipates charges resulting from the consolidation will impact pre-tax earnings by an estimated $14.9M in 2026 and 2027, including $5.7M of non-cash charges. The decision will result in employment terminations of approximately 135 members in Wayland.
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- Conference Call Timing: HNI Corporation will host a conference call on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern to discuss its Q4 and fiscal year-end 2025 results, providing investors with crucial financial insights and future outlook.
- Dial-in Information: Investors can join the call by dialing 1-855-761-5600 with Conference ID 7175411, ensuring real-time support during the meeting to enhance investor engagement.
- Live Webcast: The call will be available via live webcast on HNI's website at https://investors.hnicorp.com/events-and-presentations, allowing investors who cannot dial in to access real-time information conveniently.
- Earnings Release Schedule: HNI plans to release its Q4 and fiscal year-end 2025 results before the market opens on the same day, further enhancing transparency and attracting investor interest.
- Conference Call Schedule: HNI Corporation will host a conference call on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time to discuss its Q4 and FY 2025 results, which is expected to attract investor interest.
- Earnings Release Preview: The company plans to release its Q4 and FY 2025 results before the market opens, ensuring timely access to data for investors through its website.
- Live Webcast and Replay: The call will be available via live webcast on HNI's website, with a replay accessible from February 25 at 1:00 PM to March 4 at 10:59 PM Central Time, allowing investors who cannot attend live to catch up.
- Investor Relations Support: HNI's Investor Relations Department offers support throughout the teleconference, with investors able to call or email for more information, ensuring open communication channels.
- Strategic Consolidation: HNI Corporation plans to close its Wayland, New York manufacturing facility by 2027, intending to consolidate production into other North American facilities, which is expected to enhance productivity and meet capacity requirements.
- Financial Impact: The restructuring is anticipated to result in approximately 135 job cuts and incur around $14.9 million in restructuring and depreciation costs in 2026, potentially affecting the company's short-term financial performance.
- Product Stability: All products currently produced at the Wayland facility will be shifted to existing facilities, ensuring no changes to the product portfolio and maintaining the quality and service standards of the Gunlocke brand, thereby enhancing customer trust.
- Transition Support: HNI is committed to providing support and resources to Wayland employees throughout the transition period, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate the negative impacts of the layoffs.
Covered Call Strategy: An investor can buy HNI stock at $43.37 and sell a covered call at a $45.00 strike price, potentially earning a total return of 3.87% by February 2026, excluding dividends and commissions.
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- Acquisition Agreement: On August 4, 2025, HNI Corporation announced a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase for $450 million, marking a strategic expansion in the office furniture market.
- Successful Bond Exchange: HNI completed the exchange offer for Steelcase's 5.125% Notes, receiving valid tenders amounting to $351 million, or 78% of the total, which will optimize its capital structure and reduce financing costs.
- Strong Shareholder Support: At the special meetings on December 5, 2025, shareholders of both HNI and Steelcase voted overwhelmingly in favor of the acquisition, ensuring a smooth transaction expected to close on December 10.
- Positive Future Outlook: This acquisition not only enhances HNI's competitive position but also aims to improve operational efficiency through resource and technology integration, with anticipated long-term financial benefits and market share growth.









