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Seats Score High Marks at State College
Ergonomic chairs meet comfort requirements and college budgetby Tom Brecklin
Martin Beagle, Evergreen’s science operations manager, likes BEVCO’s chairs because they are “first rate, affordable and made in the U.S.A. |
The Evergreen State College is a public, four-year liberal arts and sciences college located in the Pacific Northwest. Recently, the college decided to remodel their existing chemistry and microscopy laboratory facilities, and part of the project required replacing outdated laboratory chairs. And like most state colleges, Evergreen’s tightening budget demanded a cost-effective approach to purchasing.
The primary requirements for new seating included affordability, comfort, chemical resistance, easy adjustability and durability. In addition, a more sculpted, modern appearance was considered a definite plus.
College laboratories differ from industrial or commercial settings because the chairs are used by many students for shorter intervals. Compared to the full eight-hour shifts normally associated with a work environment, school laboratory applications may last only an hour or two per session. Microscopy labs, however, are used for longer periods, and thus comfort becomes more of a factor for these types of labs.
Easy adjustability for chairs designated for school laboratory use is essential because the chairs may be adjusted and readjusted several times a day. Other features considered important include a softer, more comfortable seating composition and chemical resistance. Adjustable optional foot rings compliment tables of varying heights and students of different physical stature.
Easy adjustability for chairs designated for school laboratory use is essential because the chairs may be adjusted and readjusted several times a day. |
Students and faculty at the college personally evaluated seating features and options by testing sample chairs supplied by several manufacturers. Their opinions and preferences carried considerable weight during the specification process and helped the college make its purchasing decision.
After having gone through two previous remodels in which they selected seating from BEVCO Precision Manufacturing Company, The Evergreen State College chose BEVCO Series 7000 polyurethane chairs as the best choice to meet its specifications. For the current remodel, 110 units were purchased in black to match the laboratories’ countertops.
“When possible, we prefer to buy American-made products over products that are manufactured overseas. The chairs we received from BEVCO are first rate, affordable and made in the U.S.A.,” says Martin Beagle, Evergreen’s science operations manager.
Series 7000 polyurethane chairs are designed for maximum comfort and long-lasting use in harsh environments. They are exceptionally durable and offer total body support with advanced ergonomic features that reduce fatigue and improve student productivity. The self-skinned polyurethane seats and backs resist stains and damage from punctures and chemicals. Additionally, molded-in ventilation ribs increase air circulation for greater comfort and also make clean up simple.
“Every 10 weeks our laboratories, including seating, are thoroughly cleaned. Resistance to chemicals and easy cleanup are extremely important,” says Beagle.
The chairs are equipped with easy-to-use pneumatic height adjustment, an ergonomic waterfall seat design, a fully adjustable contoured back, a 360° swivel and a sturdy, five-legged-molded or tubular base.
Features include a softer, more comfortable seating composition and chemical resistance. |
“Students are using all the options on these chairs. Easily adjustable height and back positions and foot rings are popular with our students,” says Beagle.
BEVCO offers additional options for their 7000 Series chairs, such as articulating seat and back tilt for maximum ergonomic benefit, a choice of glides or casters, and six seat and back color options.
According to Beagle, BEVCO’s response time was faster than expected; “We completed our remodel ahead of time with minimal disruption to students and faculty.”
When asked about BEVCO’s exclusive 12-year warranty, Beagle states that while he never had the opportunity to use it, he is glad to have the warranty nonetheless.
The author, Tom Brecklin, can be contacted via E-mail at tbrecklin@wi.rr.com or by phone at 262-246-9959.
Laboratory Equipment
Advantage Business Media
Rockaway, NJ, 07866
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