Spring 2006

JASPER DESK

One of the most interesting things to come from the creation of the new Indiana Department of Agriculture is their recognition that Indiana's forests and their associated industries are major players in the state's economy, directly contributing in excess of $1.4 billion annually. The economic importance of this industry often goes unnoticed because many of the players are smaller companies located in rural parts of the state. Nevertheless, many of our forest products companies are nationally and globally well-know for their outstanding products made from some of the world's finest hardwoods...Indiana hardwoods. One such company is Jasper Desk, located in Jasper, Indiana, arguably the furniture capital of Indiana, if not the country.

Jasper Desk, a privately held company celebrating their 130th anniversary, is a fitting example of the outstanding forest products sector thriving in Indiana. It is considered the oldest wood office furniture company in the country. Founded in 1876 by German immigrants, it officially began operation as the Alles Brothers Furniture Company. In the 1880’s a group of investors purchased the company and changed the name to Jasper Furniture and Desk. One of these investors, John Gramelspacher, was the first of many Gramelspachers’ to lend their skills and efforts to build a company dedicated to manufacturing high-quality hardwood office furniture. The Gramelspacher name still holds predominant today, as Philip Gramelspacher, the current general manager, represents the fifth generation of the family to hold positions within the company.

The Gramelspacher family is not the only family to lend their efforts to the company. Current employment is about 125 people. Many of them are second and third generation employees that spend their whole careers working for the company. They each have their own skills and specialties and bring great pride and a strong work ethic to the job.

In 1913, furniture was dropped from the name and the company became Jasper Desk. The name change was appropriate since the home furniture line was dropped to focus on high-quality office furniture. One of their signature products was the original rolltop desk. Over the years they made slight, but significant improvements in the old standard. In 1890 Jasper Desk patented a dust-proof rolltop desk to keep dust from settling through the slats in the rolltop... remember this was pre-air conditioning and forced heat. The office spaces in 1890 were often filled with coal soot, ash, and other dust. Later in 1903 they patented a typewriter-friendly rolltop to accommodate the typewriter that was finding its way into every office in America. Over the years they continued to be innovated, but they always maintained their focus...quality first. For the past 130 years, their product lines have always been designed around the concept of producing a high-quality, well-made piece of furniture that will stand the test of time. Today, Jasper Desk's name is synonymous with quality office furniture. They have several lines of executive desk units, conference tables, and cabinets. They also do a considerable amount of custom projects for the discerning customer. Their office furniture can be found at the Pentagon (670 office units to replace those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks), the White House, and executive offices throughout the country. Such dignitaries as President John Kennedy, Vice-president Dick Cheney, and First Lady Laura Bush have purchased custom-made Jasper desks.

Virtually all of the wood that goes into a Jasper Desk comes from the forest of Indiana. Lumber is purchased green from area sawmills and then kiln-dried on site. Primary woods are walnut, cherry, hard maple, white oak, tulip poplar, American beech, and sweetgum. The walnut, cherry, hard maple, and white oak are primary species that make up the visible surfaces and trim of the furniture. They use both solid wood and veneers, with walnut and cherry being the two most heavily used species. The lumber from the American beech is used to manufacture the side and back panels of the drawer units. Using solid beech gives strength to the drawers and allows for use of crafted joints. The poplar and sweetgum are used in the less visible, structural portions of the furniture. These woods are strong, yet easy to mill.

Jasper Desk's commitment to excellence does not come without its challenges. All U.S. manufacturers face stiff competition from foreign competitors as they enter our markets. Philip Gramelspacher is well aware of these trends, but remains committed to a quality product. According to Gramelspacher, "There are always ways that we can reduce our costs of production. We can cut a corner here and there and reduce the price of our products, but in so doing, we move away from our niche marketing strategy as a provider of high-quality furniture without compromise. We must be innovative and competitive, but not at the expense of quality." This business model has worked for 130 years and there really is no reason that it should not continue in the future.

So the next time you see that tree being harvested from your woodlot, keep in mind the endless possibilities for it's final destination as it goes from log to lumber to final product. You never know, a piece of your forest might very well be residing in the White House someday. And, if you're fortunate enough to be reading this while seated behind a Jasper desk, you've probably done pretty well for yourself.

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