Smith & Wesson

When Smith & Wesson, one of the oldest firearm manufacturers in the U.S., decided to relocate its headquarters from Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee, it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. After 170 years in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company sought a fresh start in an area that better aligned with future goals and could provide a modern, flexible workspace designed to stand the test of time.

For the new 650,000 sq. ft. headquarters, Smith & Wesson leaned heavily on MBI Companies, Inc. (MBI) as the project’s architect and lead designer. The project was the first of its size and caliber for Smith & Wesson. However, they knew they wanted to remain true to their brand legacy, while incorporating modern elements like workspace flexibility and a rustic, timeless design that would attract a new generation of talent.

For the headquarters’ interior furnishings, Smith & Wesson selected Commercial Environments, Inc. (CEI) as the project’s dealer and Kimball International as the furniture manufacturer.

“As a trusted partner in creating modern and functional workspaces, we are proud to have played a key role in the furnishing of Smith & Wesson’s new headquarters,” said Missy Sims, President at CEI. “Our goal was to provide an environment that fosters innovation while reflecting the strength and tradition of the Smith & Wesson brand.”

“Culturally, our companies align,” said Hannah Whalen, Market Sales Manager at Kimball International. “With our longstanding manufacturing roots and our ability to stay true to who we are but be flexible to modern needs, having Smith & Wesson as our client made sense.”

“Because Kimball International offers so many brands under one umbrella, it was a big selling factor that we would be able to work with one manufacturer for Smith & Wesson’s furniture package,” said Christine Garofalo, Project Manager at MBI. “CEI and Kimball International were the clear winners for the project’s unique design.”

With the full team in place, MBI, CEI, and Kimball International put together a design package that perfectly blended Smith & Wesson’s more traditional culture with contemporary elements and niche accent pieces. The transitional design incorporated private offices, open workspaces, and breakout or collaboration areas that were specific to each department within the company.

“We tried to combine the traditional cubicle and office feel with touchdowns and collaborative areas like you might see in a coffee shop,” Christine explained. “It was new for them in the beginning but now they’ve really adapted and those have become some of the favorite spaces to work.”

“It’s a very welcoming space and the furniture plays a huge role in that,” said Jansen Smith, Project Manager at Smith & Wesson. “The little things that we would have overlooked, MBI, CEI, and Kimball International were able to provide for us. We can’t speak enough to that.”

The new headquarters’ beauty is undeniable. With an exposed ceiling, repeating patterns, and bold, dark color schemes, it truly captures the essence of timeless design. Perhaps the most special aspect of the project’s design, though, is the intentionally subtle nods to Smith & Wesson’s iconic legacy scattered throughout.

While standing on the balcony of the rotunda, you may spot pods of furniture neatly placed in six small groups, a resemblance of the six shots found in the cylinder of a revolver. You may also notice the rich wood and metal elements on the walls, furniture, and accent pieces. However, it is the building’s boardroom table that is particularly noteworthy.

Through the ByDesign program, Kimball International collaborated with a supplier for the table’s custom design. The wide, tech-savvy base was a concept derived from National’s Mio collection and was designed to conceal the table’s electrical components in sleek fashion. The showstopping, custom top was crafted with mixed materials, inspired by a vintage Smith & Wesson firearm. Standing 15 feet wide by 30 feet long, the boardroom table is sure to wow any guest, as was the simple direction given by Smith & Wesson. With a lustrous wood base, sleek metal accents, and a unique shape made to resemble a rifle stock, the table is a tribute to Smith & Wesson’s history and the beauty of intentional design.

The new Smith & Wesson headquarters stands as a testament to the company’s long-held resilience and new hope for the future. Despite the magnitude of the transition and bittersweet move away from its 170-year-old home, MBI, CEI, and Kimball International provided Smith & Wesson with an exceptional experience and a new space that exceeded expectations.