the globe-wernicke company was formed as a result of the cincinnati based globe files company (est. in 1882) purchasing the minneapolis based wernicke company, founded in 1893 by otto wernicke, in 1899. the company is best known for their high-end bookcases, desks, and other office furniture. globe wernicke established factories in the united states, canada, united kingdom, france and germany.

the company patented the "elastic bookcases" also known as a modular bookcase or barrister's bookcase. these were high-quality stacking book shelves, with a standard width of 34 inches, in oak, walnut and mahogany, capable of being adapted to fit together to form a bookcase which could either be all of the same measurements or which could be rearranged by the insertion of units of different depths and heights.