Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Jan. 02, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

HNI Corporation with its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) is a provider of office furniture and hearth products.  Both industries are reportable segments; however, the Corporation’s office furniture business is its principal line of business.  Refer to Reportable Segment Information for further information.  Office furniture products include panel-based and freestanding furniture systems and complementary products such as seating, storage and tables. These products are sold primarily through a national system of dealers, wholesalers and office product distributors but also directly to end-user customers and federal, state and local governments.  Hearth products include a full array of gas, wood and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-owned distribution and retail outlets.  The Corporation’s products are marketed predominantly in the United States and Canada.  The Corporation exports select products to a limited number of markets outside North America, principally the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, through its export subsidiary and manufactures and markets office furniture in Asia and India; however, based on sales, these activities are not significant.

Fiscal year-end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal year 2015 ended on January 2, 2016; 2014 ended on January 3, 2015; and 2013 ended on December 28, 2013.  The financial statements for fiscal year 2014 are on a 53-week basis. The financial statements for fiscal years 2015 and 2013 are on a 52-week basis. A 53-week year occurs approximately every sixth year.