Worden Company: ‘Becoming’ more after 75 years in business

The Worden Company’s name means “to become” in Dutch, a fitting choice for a business that has grown over the past 75 years to furnish libraries in nearly every county in the United States. 

Founded in 1949, the Holland-based furniture manufacturer has built a reputation for crafting bespoke furniture that shapes the spaces where communities gather to learn, read and connect.

“The function and aesthetics of library interiors have evolved over the years, but the library’s role as a vital community center has remained constant,” says Taylor deRoo, Worden’s president. 

Libraries have been the company’s primary focus since its founding and remain its bread and butter, but recent years have seen Worden expand into new markets, reflecting its namesake mission of “becoming” more.

Two new directions

The company has added two new business segments: private-label production for other brands and a distribution partnership with Italian furniture maker True Design.
The private-label arm enables Worden to create custom pieces for other brands, including desks, tables, and reception stations. 

“We like to say we have the heart of a craftsman and the discipline of a manufacturer,” deRoo says. 

This philosophy, coined “crafted production,” allows the company to balance custom capabilities with scalable production, offering flexibility to clients who need one-off pieces or larger runs.  Worden feels they fill the gap between artisan studio and mass production.  

Through its partnership with True Design, Worden has introduced contemporary Italian furniture to architects and interior designers in the U.S. By launching True Design North America, the company has entered markets beyond libraries, including corporate offices, educational institutions, and hospitality spaces. 

“We’re excited to continue to push the name in these sectors,” deRoo says.

Despite these expansions, Worden remains deeply committed to its library clients. Over the decades, the company has outfitted public and private libraries across the country, supplying everything from shelving and desks to children’s reading nooks.

“Every library is distinctively different, and that’s where our ability to do custom furniture sets us apart,” deRoo says. 

A recent project for the Herrick District Library in Holland highlights Worden’s custom capabilities, with the company creating unique pieces like Dutch-inspired reading nooks for the children’s area and height-adjustable desks for librarians.

The company’s expertise in the library sector gives it a competitive edge. 

“Our team knows how to speak ‘library talk,’” deRoo says. “They understand collections, book displays, and the unique needs of library spaces.”

Selling relationships

For Worden, relationships are just as important as the furniture it creates. The company prioritizes building trust with its clients, employees and partners. 

“We’re not looking to be a massive company,” deRoo says. “We want solid relationships where people say, ‘I like working with them.’”

This relationship-driven philosophy extends to Worden’s workforce, which consists of about 65 employees. The team includes a mix of seasoned wood-workers and younger talent. 

“I love the heart our employees bring every day,” deRoo says.

As Worden celebrates its 75th anniversary this month, it reflects on its legacy of craftsmanship and its ongoing evolution. While some of the company’s early history has been lost due to changes in ownership, its dedication to quality remains unchanged. 

“We’ve been grounded in incredible relationships in the library market across the country,” deRoo says.

Always evolving

In addition to serving libraries, Worden has collaborated with design entrepreneurs Jean Stoffer and Grace Start of Stoffer Home on a private-label collection of coffee and dining tables. These partnerships show Worden’s increasing versatility and ability to change to meet the evolving needs of clients.

“We might not work in the fanciest factories, but we have heart and belief in who we are,” deRoo says. “When someone calls us in a bind, even a competitor, we step up to help. It’s not always about money; it’s about having a helping spirit.”

As Worden enters its next chapter, the company remains focused on its mission of crafting meaningful spaces. 

“We’re having some fun right now,” deRoo says. “We’re meeting with a lot of people to share our story, whether that’s architects, designers, furniture dealers, librarians, or building contractors. We want folks to know what we’re capable of. We’re passionate about what we do and excited for the next 75 years.”