Why can't some kids seem to sit still in school? It could be their chair

GRAND RAPIDS — Why can't some kids seem to sit still in school?
It could be their chair.

 Grand Rapids furniture firm Vanerum Stelter is finding success with its solution: the Opti+ line of flexible chairs and desks.
The furniture allows the user to achieve a natural resting position, which lets the spine carry the body's weight in a more healthy way, said Jim Stelter, co-owner of Vanerum Stelter, at 549 Ionia Ave SW., which makes school and institutional furniture.

On Wednesday, the company began the global launch of Opti+ — the latest version of the product line. The Opti+ chair combines a forward sloping chair with a patented desk and integrated foot rest to encourage a healthier sitting position. The furniture's design also reflects the changing classroom where there is more collaboration and interaction between pupil and teacher. The design came out of the company's Belgian operation, which partner Gert Van Erum oversees.

"What we are doing is taking a design and listening to the different markets," Van Erum said.
There have been raves from a Seattle high school that bought 3,000 of the first version of the product line, Stelter said. "We want to celebrate movement," said Stelter, noting studies show movement helps students learn better. While the company's primary market has been K-12, the Opti+ is being ordered for college settings as well. Sales climbed nearly 25 percent last year, driving the company's overall growth. Stelter thinks the new version of the line could push sales even higher in 2011. The adjustable desk and chair captured a NeoCon Gold Award for education solutions three years ago. The price of an Opti+ chair is 10-12 percent more than a traditional chair, while the desk costs twice as much. "When it breaks down, we have the longest warranty in the industry," Stelter said. "When you amortize the cost, it is 3-5 percent more a year." Demand is expected to be strongest in North America and Europe initially, but there is potential in other markets. The firm has a big launch and new dealer in the Middle East, Stelter said.

SOURCE - http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/01/why_cant_some_kids_seem_to_sit.html