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Este informe no está disponible en español. CARIBBEAN BUSINESS AFD To Open In P.R.; Expects $50 Million In Revenue In Three YearsCompany Brings High-End Office Furniture And Expertise In Managing Workspace By TAINA ROSA July 10, 2003 New York-based AFD Contract Furniture is entering the Puerto Rico market and will open offices at Torre Chardon in Hato Rey. AFD President Richard Aarons told CARIBBEAN BUSINESS the company doesn’t only sell office furniture, but provides turnkey workspace solutions. "We are coming to Puerto Rico with Steelcase, the world’s leading furniture designer & manufacturer," said Aarons. "This is a sophisticated market that expects the same quality of service that any of our customers in the U.S. would." Aarons said AFD Contract Furniture began operating locally early in 2003 and is off to a good start; it has already served a number of large corporations on the island. He said he expects the Puerto Rico operations to rake in $50 million in revenue in two or three years. "We have a staff of about 15 people, all locals, and we’re leasing space at Torre Chardon," said Aarons. The company is still analyzing how much space it will need. "The space we lease with Steelcase will also serve as a showroom," he added. Executive Vice President Salvador de la Rosa, who will oversee the Puerto Rico operations, said, "AFD brings something never before seen in the local market. We offer a full package of products and services. We can install voice and data systems, carpets, flooring, lighting, and even software developed by our company to make life simpler for facilities managers." He noted that many of the services are offered in conjunction with Steelcase and with the input of architects, project managers, and engineers. For a recent project in Puerto Rico, for example, AFD and partner Steelcase not only supplied office furniture but also recommended raising the building’s floors to hide unsightly wires, adding meeting spaces and moveable walls to promote office interaction, and more. Aarons said AFD also intends to help the local community. In fact, the company has already established a $50,000 scholarship named after Aarons’ father, Samuel. The scholarship will assist students at the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Architecture in Rio Piedras. Established in 1980, AFD Contract Furniture is one of the largest providers of workplace solutions in the U.S. It has annual revenue of more than $200 million and 200 employees. This Caribbean Business article appears courtesy of Casiano Communications.
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