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Industry News
REVISED WINDOW COVERING SAFETY STANDARD ADDRESSES
INNER CORDS AND LEAD CONTENT
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) has announced
publication of the revised WCMA/ANSI safety standard for corded window
covering products (ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2002).
The standard, first developed in 1996 by WCMA in cooperation with
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) canvass method, provides requirements for
reducing the possibility of injury or strangulation to young children
from corded window covering products.
The revised standard, approved by ANSI on August 29, 2002, introduces
additional safety guidelines for products with accessible inner cords,
along with requirements for lead content limits and new guidelines
for Spanish- and English-language safety labeling and operational
tags.
“This revised ANSI/WCMA standard is another example of the industry’s
ongoing commitment to consumer safety,” said Carolynn Jennings,
WCMA executive director. “WCMA firmly believes that nationally
recognized industry standards represent the most effective method
for introducing advanced devices and designs that can enhance the
safety of window covering products.”
WCMA is urging manufacturers to obtain a copy of the revised standard
to ensure their compliance with the new requirements. Copies are $9
each for WCMA members and $18 each for non-members. To order, send
a check made payable to WCMA at Window Covering Manufacturers Association,
355 Lexington Avenue, 17th floor, New York, NY 10017.
WCMA is the North American trade association for manufacturers and
suppliers of hard window covering treatments.
HUNTER DOUGLAS ACQUIRES BYTHEWAY
Hunter Douglas, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, has announced the acquisition
of Bytheway’s Mfg., Inc., a major fabricator and wholesaler of
custom window coverings based in Sacramento, CA. Bytheway’s will
continue to serve its own customer base, and its management will remain
unchanged. Jann Bytheway will remain president and general manager.
“We are delighted with the acquisition of this outstanding company,”
said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas president and CEO. “Bytheway’s
is one of the most successful fabricators in the United States. We
intend to maintain its well-earned reputation for superior quality
and service while further strengthening Hunter Douglas’ position
in the markets served.”
Jann Bytheway, who, together with her late husband, Mervin Bytheway,
Jr., founded the company in 1968, said, “This union with Hunter
Douglas will help ensure that we continue our dynamic growth while
providing outstanding support to our many valued customers.”
ELMAR OPENS SOUTHEASTERN SALES, SERVICE CENTER
Elmar Window Fashions, Willow Grove, PA, held a grand opening celebration
for its new Southeastern Sales and Service Center in Charlotte, NC,
in mid-October.
Headed by Ross Garretson, son of Elmar President Craig Garretson,
this new 5,000 square-foot-facility is dedicated to helping dealers
succeed by providing the best quality, value, service and expertise
in the industry. The facility features a Hunter Douglas Window Fashions
Gallery showcasing the latest products. Elmar is one of the largest
independent full-line fabricators of Hunter Douglas custom window
coverings.
The grand opening was highlighted by an appearance of the Jeff Gordon
2002 DuPont Fire and Flames Chevrolet Monte Carlo and a chance to
win four NASCAR tickets. Participants also had an opportunity to race
for authentic NASCAR prizes on the 12-foot Elmar Speedway and walk
away with authentic Jeff Gordon signed hero cards, official racecar
replicas, key chains and more.
Elmar has approximately 350 employees at operations in three states.
The company’s 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fabrication
facility and headquarters is located in Willow Grove.
CUSTOM CONCEPTS EXPANDS SHUTTERSMART PRODUCTION
On its one-year anniversary of manufacturing vinyl-clad wood shutters,
Custom Concepts, Oviedo, FL, is expanding its facility to deliver
shutters in two to three weeks. “As we move forward into year
two, we’re expanding our ShutterSmart production area to better
service our customers,” said Tom Cook, owner.
ShutterSmart, a WCMA award-winning vinyl-clad wood shutter system,
is locally produced in Florida. This high-quality vinyl-clad wood
shutter is now offered with matching arches and 33-inch-wide panels.
“We’re delighted with the positive reception of ShutterSmart
from many of our customers and look forward to servicing the entire
Southeast region,” explained Cook.
US Polymers Launches Easy Fabrication Program
ShutterSmart, a division of US Polymers Inc., Commerce, CA, has launched
its Easy Shutter Fabrication Program for ShutterSmart, its award-winning
vinyl-clad wood shutter.
“I believe our high-quality vinyl-clad wood shutter will allow
a fabricator to carve out a unique and exclusive position in the marketplace
while being very competitive on price against hollow vinyl shutters,”
said Viken Ohanesian, president of ShutterSmart.
“We’ve evaluated many shutter systems and this is by far
the easiest shutter to fabricate. I’m very pleased with the program,”
explained Paul Goodwin, vice president of Colorel Blinds. “What
makes it so simple is that the vinyl covered wood profiles are ready
for cutting and assembly. There is absolutely no painting and very
few parts. The shutter system has a proven track record and is currently
being fabricated in various parts of the country.”
SKOTZ ADDS NEW, STRONGER ROD
Skotz Mfg., Phoenixville, PA, has introduced a new, strong, low profile
magnetic curtain rod to its product line.
The company’s new Miracle Rod® magnetic curtain rod is available
in white or transparent. It also works on wood doors, walls or any
smooth surface with its included adhesive pads. This new rod was designed
to execute four improved functions: magnetic strength; inconspicuous
appearance; lower projection; and dual application (magnetic and adhesive),
the company says.
Scott Mulder, president, said decorating professionals have been requesting
a less conspicuous rod with a more stable grasp on the door. He also
adds that the number of steel entry doors on homes is growing rapidly
as builders favor them over wood for their low cost and ease of installation.
ROBERT CRAYMER ANNOUNCES NEW DRAPERY DEPARTMENT
Designer Robert Craymer, Los Angles, CA, known best for his minimalist,
sleek furniture creations and interiors, has launched a line of high-end
draperies for both inside and outside the home.
The custom-made, one-of-a-kind draperies reflect “the beauty
of simplicity” as does the furniture line, which includes tables,
sofas, mirrors, beds and chairs, Craymer adds.
The interior draperies are made using the finest materials including
natural silk and linen fabrics, elegant Georgette sheers, Dohghia
printed silks from India and grass-woven and Asian-inspired authentic
bamboo shades.
Outdoor fabrics are water-resistant and made from 100 percent solution
dyed acrylic. The tight weave and substantial weight of these outdoor
designs make these draperies rugged, stain-resistant and easy-to-clean.
FABRICUT SENDS WINNERS TO PARIS
Fabricut, Tulsa, OK, was host to five grand-prize winners and their
guests for the experience of a lifetime: three evenings at the Ritz
Paris in Paris, France. The trip celebrated the launch of Fabricut’s
new Ritz Paris Collection, a program consisting of fabrics and trimmings
reminiscent of the textiles found at the Ritz Paris hotel.
Harvey Nudleman, president, and Leslie Tharp, visual marketing manager,
also escorted the winners to dinner in some of Paris’ hottest
nightspots and a day at the designer-renowned Paris flea market.
The grand-prize winners are: Susan Jay Freeman, Susan Jay Design,
Venice, CA; Michele Phillips, Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo, Honolulu,
HI; Robert Newton, Robert Payne Newton & Associates, St. Louis,
MO; Amanda Oliver, Amanda Oliver Designs, Denton, TX; and Dona Jacobs,
Trims and More, Palm Desert, CA.
G & M KINNEY EXPANDS WESTWARD
G & M Kinney, Associates, LLC, Dix Hill, NY, is preparing to expand
is service to the West Coast. George Kinney, president, says the company
is researching building sites. “In these uncertain times, I believe
it is our duty to rebuild our industry to pre-September 11 status.
This expansion is our effort to help reach this goal,” Kinney
says.
The company’s new operation will be headed by Arnold Lapidus,
vice president. He will be responsible for sales management, product
development and marketing and communications. Lapidus has an extensive
background, which includes positions as director of purchasing for
NYNEX and has served for several years with Samson Aluminum as director
of operations.
G & M Kinney has already increased its warehouse space three-fold.
This new growth will enable it to service its customers with a larger
and more diverse stock, the company says.
OXFORD HOUSE HOLDS 14TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
This summer, Oxford House, Oxford, IN, held its 14th annual golf scramble.
The company’s customers, vendors and members of the local community
participated in the best ball tournament, which saw winning teams
of 14, 12 and 11 under par take the top three places.
After golf an appreciation dinner and awards presentation was held.
This year’s Oxford House Vendor of the Year was Fasnap for its
help and support in 2002.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
In the September 2002 issue of Draperies & Window Coverings an
incorrect telephone number was printed for Lassen Window Fashions
Inc., Anaheim, CA. The correct contact information is: 1300 N. Jefferson
St., Anaheim, CA 92807; (714) 996-6399; fax: (714) 996-6379; and e-mail:
sales@lassenwf.com. We regret the error.
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