New offices blend efficiency and attractive decor

OST firms when they move to new quarters simply slide in the furniture, grab a close corner and line up the rest of the office furniture. It may be quick, but it is seldom as practical or as efficient as it could be, let alone pleasing to the eye.

When Fremont Forest Products moved to their new headquarters in Whittier, Ca., they resisted the above procedure and decided to do it the right way. They hired a firm that specializes in designing offices to maximize efficiency, productivity and to make them attractive as well.

The recent Open House Fremont Forest Products held amply demonstrated the success of the undertaking. All the office functions are correlated to each other to optimize a smooth business flow. There are no individual walled-off rooms, just one big room "landscaped" with furniture of varying heights and arrangements.

The furniture is composed of ultra modern modules made of white oak and edged with chrome and are of various heights and configurations. A generous sprinkling of indoor greenery adds a pleasant softening effect. A conference room is adjacent to the main office area as is a supply room.

Fremont Forest Products was founded in 1958 by its present officers: Pete Speek, president and treasurer; Daryl Bond, v.p.; and

Art Milhaupt, secretary. Ed Evans and Pat Reagan round out the Whittier management and sales staff.

The Long Beach, Ca., facility and industrial division is headed by Ted Pollard; Don Merrick, asst. manager and Richard Del Real, office manager. The Eugene office is managed by Bob Norris, who is assisted by Rick Kellso. The Phoenix office is headed by John Brecheisen.

Fremont is the only southern California wholesaler operating its own cargo handling and storage facility.