The History of Jonti-Craft
Back in 1979, Don and Cathy Schwarz purchased a company called Rapid Sash and Millwork that created wooden toys. Don had been an intern with the company for a number of years, and when they purchased it, they chose to rename it Jonti-Craft in honor of the previous owner, John Tessari.
After a couple of years, Jonti-Craft decided to expand their offerings to include furniture and equipment as they saw a need for high-quality children’s furniture in educational spaces. While they no longer make those wooden toys that started it all, the ideals and hard work that started everything are still found in each of their pieces. They’re still a family-owned company, proud of their Midwestern roots, and equally proud to say that nearly all of their products are made right here in the USA.
All of their 3,500+ products contain premium features (KYDZSafe, KYDZStrong, KYDZTuff, KYDZHinge, KYDZEdge and MAXBracket) that are designed with little ones in mind and are specifically made to withstand the rigors of use in high traffic, commercial environments such as classrooms, waiting areas, daycares and play rooms—and even residences. Their dedication to deliver safe, feature-rich, superior-quality children’s furniture for a lifetime of learning is what has made Jonti-Craft the leading manufacturer of educational furniture for children.
How Jonti-Craft Products Are Creating Better Learning Environments
Jonti-Craft offers a full assortment of early education furniture allowing teachers to create learning environments that best fit the style and practices they use to help students get the most out of their education. With a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors in multiple categories, their products are made for every learning space.
For example, most of their storage solutions come in a variety of sizes making them accessible to children of all ages as well as the ability to be multi-functional via their back-option program. Jonti-Craft’s flagship brand is made of rich Baltic Birch wood which makes it easy to create learning environments that are not over stimulating - a paramount detail in early education.
How Jonti-Craft Drives Innovation As A Company
Jonti-Craft has been the leading early education furniture manufacturer for the last 40 years and has been on the forefront of many industry standards now used today. Standards such as piano hinges, long-lasting UV finish, rounded corners, and other design features that are in line with the strictest standards for safety. They are constantly expanding their product offering to keep up with new teaching practices-such as STEM/STEAM and Makerspace environments.
Jonti-Craft Products In Action
Resources Jonti-Craft Uses To Stay Ahead of The Curve
The best feedback they can receive on their products is from those that actually use it. That is why they partner with local and regional daycares, learning centers and school districts to test new products and get insight into industry trends. They also participate in many national industry events, like NAEYC, to gain further perspective of upcoming trends in the market.
Need Help With A Project?
Whether you’re updating your preschool room, daycare, children's waiting room, STEM space, class or starting a Makerspace, revamp your learning environment with design services from Kay-Twelve. Our design experts will help you find that perfect learning environment. For inspiration and expert advice, explore our complimentary design services. We'll work together utilizing the Kay-Twelve Proven Process that has transformed thousands of classrooms around the country.
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