Tietex expounds on Burlington buy

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 6/10/2002 12:00:00 AM

SPARTANBURG, SC —

Tietex has expanded its upholstery fabric horizons dramatically with the acquisition of the Burlington House upholstery business. (See June 3 issue of HTT.)

Currently, Tietex specializes in constructions ranging from pile alternatives to olefin chenilles in dobbies and jacquards to velvet constructions, said Martin Wildeman, chairman and ceo. "Nothing overlaps. Burlington's product line is quite different and will complement the Tietex products." The company also produces mattress tickings "and is the largest supplier of vertical blind fabrics," he added.

In addition, Tietex, which is already in the contract business — primarily in panel fabrics — will expand its product mix this week with the introduction of NatureWorks panel fabrics at Neocon in Chicago.

The Burlington acquisition, Wildeman explained "can bring us into seating."

Michael Durham, currently executive vp of Burlington House Upholstery, will become president of the new company, Wildeman said. "We are deep in discussions about the Burlington and Tietex businesses in terms of design staff, etc. We will combine them by yearend under Mike's direction," Wildeman added.

Wildeman said the company "will be immediately investing $3 million in the most modern equipment to support the growth of the new company."