Configura launches improved software product

Configura, maker of CET Designer software, is preparing to release CET Designer 4.0 in May. The software is used to design furniture and room layouts. The update includes such design improvements as the ability to create custom shapes and work surfaces, and rendering improvements that include the ability to make walls transparent or partially transparent. According to the firm, in a survey of dealerships using CET Designer, users estimated 65 percent more value-added output with CET Designer compared to other software products.

Configura is based in Grand Rapids, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Configura Sverige AB with global headquarters in Sweden and an additional office in Malaysia.

Peter Brandinger, VP, says the firm has been operational for eight years in Grand Rapids, and has experienced steady growth in that time.

"We currently have six support people to answer calls and expect to grow as more companies (clients) come on board. On the software side, we have 14 software developers and are constantly looking for more people," he says.

Even though Brandinger says the software development side of their firm is very complex, their company prefers to work with local universities to find talent.

"Our software is very complex and custom, but it does not need 10 years of experience. We prefer to get students through internships and job fairs. We go there and meet young kids who are interesting and bring them in," he says. "We just hired a young lady. She was an art student that got interested in software development and started taking programming classes.  It's a brilliant combination. Software is very logical, but what we do requires a very artistic side, too. If you have both skills, it is a great combination."

Moving forward, Brandinger says there are many opportunities beyond the furniture industry their firm will be pursuing. As a native of Sweden who relocated here 10 years ago, he also adds that being in West Michigan is a perfect fit for his company as it grows.

"We really sell Grand Rapids. The Right Place program made it easy for us to chose Grand Rapids when we came here eight years ago. Since then, it's been one thing after another. The city is  a cool, vibrant place. When we bring in people here from outside the region, they really like it."

To learn more about Configure and its new software, you can visit their site here.

Source: Peter Brandinger, Configura
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor