In 1998, Hoffman Manufacturing Corporation was created by Geoffrey Hoffman to build student furniture from powder-coated welded steel frames and wood panels. The student furniture business was very seasonal and most potential customers seemed interested in buying junky furniture that cost less than what HMC produced. Fortunately, with HMC’s panel processing, cabinet making, and metal working capabilities, HMC was prime for store fixture manufacturing. Currently, much of HMC’s work is providing store fixtures to other manufacturers.
The first year of business was spent occupying a 4000 square foot space without plumbing on the south side of Madison. HMC’s next building expanded to 7500 square feet, located on Index Road near the Hummer/Cadillac dealership off of Fish Hatchery. HMC continued to grow there for six years, but tight quarters finally forced the company to extend out to another building for powder coating and one more for assembly. Ground broke for a custom designed 25,000 square foot plant mid-2004 at the current Blazing Star location. The lot size allows for another 40,000 square feet of expansion.
HMC currently employs about 30 people.
Hoffman Manufacturing Corp is a chapter S Corporation incorporated in the state of Wisconsin.
Hoffman Manufacturing’s ability with wood and metal has been key to its success. Many companies do only one or the other. HMC’s benefit is diversity; the company’s ability to balance work load and have more control over product with out having to outsource makes the company unique.
Other keys include design and engineering. Investing in technology has been fundamental.
Also important is the understanding that HMC sells more than tangible fixtures. The company sells quick turn-around and convenience to a customer. Service is a huge component of the product.
