As a leading manufacturer and supplier of furniture and equipment for K-12 schools, Virco employs approximately 700 people nationwide. Not only does their Torrance, California headquarters feature a 560,000 square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, their Conway, Arkansas location has approximately 1,750,000 square feet of operational space which is where I found myself during a weekend visit to the area.
My sister and I were treated to a tour of the massive space by Steve Presley, Vice President & General Manager at Virco. I soon realized that I wasn’t just stepping into a facility, I was stepping into a story, one Steve Presley knows by heart.
The first thing you notice at Virco’s Conway facility isn’t just the massive scale, it’s the feeling. A quiet, unmistakable pride built over decades of craftsmanship, hard work, and families creating something that matters.
Steve didn’t just join Virco — he grew up in it. As we moved through the facility, he shared memories of being there as a kid alongside his father. Every corner meant something. Every process felt personal. This isn’t just where he works; it’s part of who he is.
That passion shows up everywhere, even in the details. When Steve stopped at his favorite piece of equipment — the quick-change color powder coating booth — his excitement was contagious. In a facility this large, it’s a reminder that pride still lives in the craft.
In many ways, Steve’s story is Virco’s story.
The story began in 1926, when Julian and Philip Virtue launched U.S. Plating Co. What started small grew quickly, especially during World War II, when the company supplied bunk beds and mess hall furniture to the U.S. military. That era defined Virco’s foundation: durability, reliability, and scale.
In 1950, Julian Virtue officially founded Virco in Los Angeles, focusing on high-quality folding chairs and tables. Demand surged. By 1954, the company expanded east, opening the Conway facility — now the backbone of its operations and a cornerstone of the community.
Innovation kept pace. In 1965, Virco introduced the 9000 Series chair — an injection-molded seat with a steel frame that became the “chair of the Baby Boom.” More than 65 million units later, it’s still a classroom staple.
But Virco isn’t just about products — it’s about responsibility. In 1989, the company launched a recycling program that earned a charter spot in the U.S. EPA’s WasteWise Hall of Fame. Today, that commitment continues, supporting both operations and school districts nationwide.
Back on the floor, sparks flew from robotic welders introduced in the 1990s, blending precision technology with hands-on expertise. Massive woodshops and molding areas humming with activity. It’s where innovation meets experience — and where scale meets craftsmanship.
Still, the real story is the people.
At Conway, generations of families work side by side. Parents, children, even grandparents — connected not just by a workplace, but by purpose. They know what they’re building matters. Every desk, every chair, every table ends up in a classroom, supporting students across the country.
That sense of care extends outside, too. What was once farmland is now lined with trees planted by employees — a living symbol of growth, stewardship, and long-term commitment.
By the end of the tour, one thing was clear: Virco isn’t just a manufacturer — it’s a legacy.
Julian’s son, Robert, is in his 90s and serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO. He continues to show up every day to the Conway facility. Robert’s son Douglas serves as the company president.
Virco’s legacy is still being built — one classroom at a time.