NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) May 5, 2000--Standard&Poor's today assigned its triple-'B'-plus corporate credit rating to Herman Miller Inc. In addition, Standard&Poor's assigned its preliminary triple-'B'-plus rating to Herman Miller's $300 million Rule 415 shelf registration of debt securities. The outlook is stable. Approximately $233 million in total debt was outstanding as of March 4, 2000. Ratings reflect Herman Miller's strong position in the office furniture industry, its track record of innovation, its efficient manufacturing structure, and its moderate financial policy. These strengths are somewhat offset by the highly competitive and cyclical nature of the office furniture industry and the company's geographic concentration in North America. Zeeland, Mich.-based Herman Miller is a leading manufacturer and
