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Friant: a Timeline of Success
Friant has a long history of growth and innovation, beginning with one man and a $1k loan. In 20 years we've grown to a
force of hundreds, with multiple factories and an international customer base.
| 1990 |
Friant & Associates, a service-based company, is founded by Paul Friant. Services include installation and repair (and just about anything else his customers need). |
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| 1991 |
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Demonstrates commitment to excellence in customer service by cleaning 700 Red & White Fleet chairs that were delivered to his lawn (in lieu of warehouse). Read more on our blog. |
| 1992 |
Thankfully (see
above) obtains
first warehouse in
Oakland (2000 sq.
ft.) and begins
refurbishing
furniture by
customer request. |
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| 1993 |
Addition of first
workshop by
expanding to
space contingent
to warehouse.
Now 4 full time
employees. |
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| 1995 |
Expands to larger
(30,000 sq. ft.)
warehouse.
Adds CNC machinery
and dedicated fabric
shop.
25 Employees. |
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| 1997 |
 |
Moves to current
location in Oakland, CA
which includes 145,000
sq. ft. warehouse,
wood and fabric shop,
showroom and office
headquarters. |
| 1998 |
Establishes international
partnership that allows
for overseas manufacturing
and exponential
increase in production
capacity.
Adds night crew in
Oakland, California. |
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| 2000 |
 |
In response to customer
demand, begins manufacturing
new product, with launch of
the System 2 panel system.
Grows from 50 to 100
employees.
Begin new product development,
including the Tiles panel system
and Mesa conference table
product lines. |
| 2004 |
| 2008 |
Launches national
sales initiative, adding
50 sales associates
across the country. |
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| 2009 |
Introduces premier panel
system, Tiles and
reception line, Willow.
Begins 'Green" Friant
initiative by adding a
LEED Associate to staff,
switching to waterbased
finishes and adhesives
and taking other green
measures. |
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| 2010 |
 |
Adds second warehouse
for greatly expanded
inventory capacity.
Obtains MAS Green
Certification for System 2
and Tiles.
Launches new chair line
and new Mesa wired
conference table.
On track for 30% growth
despite industry's
lackluster sales. |
| 2011 |
Adds warehouse in Georgia to better serve Southestern customers. |
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