HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) - Office furniture maker Haworth Inc. says Matthew Haworth will succeed his father as chairman of the board on April 27.

Richard "Dick" Haworth will become chairman emeritus of the Holland-based company, which made the announcement Wednesday.

Dick Haworth's father, Gerrard Wendell "G.W." Haworth, started the company in his garage in 1948. He died in 2006.

Dick Haworth says in a statement issued by the company that the change has been planned for at least 10 years.

Franco Bianchi remains president and chief executive.

The privately held company reported net sales of $1.65 billion in 2008. Spokeswoman Julie Smith says Haworth has 7,000 employees worldwide, including 2,500 in Michigan.