- Akira Celebrates the Art of Origami and the Simple Fold -

CHICAGO, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Vecta, the leader in developing conferencing and training spaces, today introduced a new flip-top table Akira(TM) at NeoCon 2007, the World's Trade Fair for Interior Design and Facilities Management. Akira aims to be the easiest table to fold, move and reconfigure on the market today.

Akira builds on Vecta's deep experience in the development of folding tables and provides a versatile option for multi-purpose rooms. Due to space constraints in many work environments, multi-purpose rooms are increasing in popularity and need to reconfigure easily to meet a variety of needs and functions. Akira's patent-pending folding mechanism and one-handed release lever make it virtually effortless to set up, adjust, take down and store: one person can easily arrange or reconfigure a room in a matter of minutes.

Akira can be configured in a wide variety of arrangements due to its diverse sizes and shapes, including rectangle, half-round and trapezoid, and leg positions (T-base and L-base). Rectangular T-base tables allow for seating on all four sides of the table, while L-base tables provide maximum clearance and legroom for those seated on one side -- ideal for seminar applications.

Akira is not only distinctive in its ease-of-use and flexibility, but also in its ability to be stored compactly or "nested." Through one controlled hand motion, utilizing a dual-cam mechanism, Akira's top flips, its legs rotate, and the table lifts to its nesting position. Once the legs are rotated inward, they lock automatically and can be nested in a straight stack, dramatically minimizing the required storage space.

"Akira stands out amongst other flip-top tables in the market for its ability to fold with one hand and be stored compactly in multiples," said Jim Lowell, product manager, table and casegoods, Vecta. "We believe its blend of simplicity and advanced engineering and design make it appealing to customers and designers as it enables varied user and task applications in multiple spaces."

  Additional features of the Akira table include:
   - Thin profile with 1" tabletop thickness
   - Edges to suit any requirement: P-edge with rounded corners for loose-
     fit applications and a flat edge with square corners for tight
     applications
   - Pivot wings that grasp the legs and act like trusses on a bridge,
     strengthening and stabilizing the structure
   - Easy height-adjustable option to accommodate wheelchair users
   - Bumpers that help prevent damage when nesting
   - Integrated power and data capabilities are available as an upgrade
   - L and T bases in a variety of top shapes

Designed by Christian Cornelius, Akira is comprised of aluminum, of which 83 percent is recycled content, and is 87 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life. The table will begin shipping in July 2007 at a $1,100 list price (for the 60"x30" folding table). A fixed version of Akira will be available for $850-$900.

About Vecta

Vecta, is accomplished in designing and manufacturing products for the information-based business environment. The company designs for people who value knowledge and learning in the workplace. Vecta is a Steelcase company and was founded in 1959 with a desire to infuse the concept of industrial elegance into furnishings for the business environment. Vecta's distinctive design philosophy was initially applied to a series of products for executive spaces and high-image areas -- including seating, tables, and wood casegoods. For more information, please visit www.vecta.com.

Source: Vecta

CONTACT: Sara Whitman, +1-212-931-6121, swhitman@peppercom.com, for
Vecta

Web site: http://www.vecta.com/