OWA aligns with Sphinx and distribution units

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/17/2003 12:00:00 AM

DALTON, GA —

Oriental Weavers has forged a strategic alignment of its North American distribution, Sphinx, and domestic manufacturing operation, OWA. The alignment, effective Jan. 1, 2004, makes for a "100 percent customer-focused strategy," Steve Stultz, senior vp, OW America, said.

In 1991, Sphinx by Oriental Weavers was formed to distribute machine-made area rugs produced by parent company Oriental Weavers in Egypt but for distribution in North America. In 1994 the company created OW America, a rug manufacturing division based here.

"Our company is in a very unique position," said Mike Riley, executive vp, Sphinx. "While many manufacturers are closing their US facilities and importing more products from overseas, we have the opportunity to utilize resources overseas and in the U.S. to reorganize and strengthen our supply chain."