U.S. supplier cmi marks 30 years   

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/7/2008 12:46:00 PM

Pawtucket, R.I. – Braided rug and home accessories domestic manufacturer cmi (Colonial Mills Inc.) marks its 30th anniversary this New Year, and the company is celebrating starting this month at the upcoming markets.

The Atlanta International Area Rug market, Jan. 17 to 20 will be the first event where cmi will break out the champagne and birthday cake to share with retail customers.

“Leading a business and the braided rug category for three decades hasn’t been easy, but that makes our success that much more rewarding,” said Donald Scarlata, president and ceo. “I think the best way we can celebrate is by continuing to manufacture a high quality, stylish product which exceeds the expectations of our customer base.”

Scarlata added that he is “most proud” that all cmi products are still manufactured in the United States.

It was in the fall of 1977 that Scarlata and several other investors acquired Colonial Braided Rug Company and set out to expand the business. One of the first orders of business in early 1978 was a name change to Colonial Mills Inc. – a concept that encompassed the company’s leading sales drivers -- chair pads and stair treads, along with a limited number of rugs, which were sold through mom-and-pop gift stores.

Since then, cmi has significantly grown the breadth of its braided offerings. Its rugs come if “millions” of colors and styles, and a variety of fabrics and sizes. Also, cmi has been recognized with awards for its trademarked cablelock, fabraid and fabricord braiding techniques.

It has also grown its distribution to include independent specialty retailers and through private label and/or customized programs with a number of major national retailers.