GIT Coatings: Building a global Headquarters at startup speed

Client:

GIT Coatings

Sector:

Manufacturer

When GIT Coatings, a fast-growing Nova Scotia startup, set out to establish their global head office, it wasn’t just about setting up desks and chairs. It was about creating a headquarters that could anchor their international operations while staying true to their entrepreneurial roots. Located directly beside their manufacturing and storage facilities, this office needed to function as the organizational hub for a company producing locally but managing business worldwide.

For a startup like GIT Coatings, speed and adaptability were non-negotiable. Requirements shifted, deadlines were tight, and decisions often had to be made in real time. They needed more than a supplier, they needed a partner who could move quickly, adapt on the fly, and deliver exactly what was needed without slowing down progress.

Our approach focused on simplicity and speed. We presented a clear “good, better, best” proposal built around Global Furniture solutions. This gave GIT Coatings the ability to choose confidently without losing time in long design cycles. A balanced choice was chosen to offer professional aesthetics, reliability, and functionality while staying cost-effective for a scaling company.

Working right beside a manufacturing and storage operation also shaped the design requirements. The office layout had to feel like a true headquarters, distinct from the industrial setting, yet still seamlessly integrated with day-to-day operations. By emphasizing natural light and acoustic comfort through workstation design, we created a professional environment that matched the pace of a global business while respecting the realities of its industrial surroundings.

The workstations at GIT Coatings were designed to be clean, efficient, and adaptable, reflecting the needs of a startup that has to scale quickly. Each station uses Global’s Newland system, with light-toned surfaces and low-profile panels that create a bright, uncluttered atmosphere. The panels are high enough to give each employee a sense of focus and separation, but low enough to maintain sightlines across the room and encourage collaboration.

By choosing a soft, neutral fabric on the panels and pairing them with white trim and light wood tones, the overall effect is modern and airy. Integrated storage pedestals give every employee personal space without crowding the layout, while monitor arms and ergonomic task chairs support long hours of productive work. The configuration allows the office to expand or reconfigure easily as the company grows, proving that the design is as flexible as the startup it was built for.

As with any startup-driven project, changes came quickly. Measurements on site didn’t always match initial plans, and adjustments had to be made after installation. Instead of delaying the project, we adapted immediately, modifying furniture to fit tighter dimensions and ensuring every space could be used effectively. For GIT Coatings, this flexibility was essential: they didn’t need delays, they needed solutions.

To support fast decision-making, we also leveraged Global’s Halifax showroom, giving GIT Coatings’ leadership a chance to test products firsthand. This practical approach meant choices could be made quickly and confidently, aligning perfectly with their fast-moving culture.

In the end, this office wasn’t about luxury finishes or showcase design, it was about creating a headquarters built for growth. Bright, functional, and scalable, it now serves as the global nerve center of a company producing world-class coatings right here in Nova Scotia.

For us, this project was about more than supplying furniture. It was about matching the mindset of a true startup: moving quickly, staying flexible, and adding value at every step. By aligning with GIT Coatings’ entrepreneurial drive, we helped transform an industrial setting into a global headquarters, a space where local innovation meets worldwide ambition.

Planning a headquarters?

If your organization is considering a new space or a major upgrade, let’s connect and explore how we can help you create a workplace that works for everyone.