After inviting bids from companies to renew its large stock of chairs, the TK opted for “dat-o”, the modern range of seating from Trendoffice

Offenhausen – November 2009. With 215 offices and around 11,400 employees, the Hamburg-based Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is one of Germany’s biggest health-insurance companies. Established in Leipzig in 1884 as the “Eingeschriebene Hilfskasse für Architekten, Ingenieure und Techniker Deutschlands”, it now insures more than seven million people. In the 49/2008 edition of Fokus Money magazine, the TK was rated “Germany’s best health-insurance company”, a status which it still holds to this day.

Two years ago, the TK adopted a new company standard for seating and invited bids to renew its chairs. The management ultimately decided to switch manufacturer and signed a three-year contract with the Dauphin HumanDesign Group (DHDG) branch in Hamburg and the specialist retailer Henry Fölschow in Oststeinbek. Under the terms of the contract, the DHDG’s Trendoffice would supply chairs from its “dat-o” range and provide guaranteed, on-site service nationwide. Some 7,000 chairs have been delivered to date.

Branch manager Peter Heyn has been in charge of the Dauphin HumanDesign Center in Hamburg for ten years. He is convinced that “dat-o” from Trendoffice is the perfect choice for his new customer: “Although the chairs are aimed at a price-sensitive market, they still benefit from all the Dauphin Group's ergonomic expertise. A choice of office swivel chairs or cantilever chairs for visitors and meetings is available. They help members of staff to remain productive and go home fit and alert in the evening in spite of spending long periods sitting.”

The backrest is the key feature of this particular chair family. Its transparent mesh fabric reveals a supporting pillar reminiscent of a person's spinal column. The breathable, moisture-regulating mesh fabric supports the back with its pleasant, constant tension. The lumbar support is another important feature, this time aimed at the delicate lumbar-spine area. Its height and depth can be adjusted to the user's individual body size. Flexibly mounted, it follows slight changes of posture while the user is sitting and complements the synchronised mechanism perfectly. Together, the chair's ergonomic features help to maintain the spinal column in its natural, upright position.

The DHDG specialises in developing concepts and solutions which allow people to sit and work healthily. With its Trendoffice brand, it offers an unusual range of products which combines modern design, useful functions restricted only to what is essential and attractive value for money – a philosophy which fits perfectly with the TK's standards and high-quality services.