ADI acquires Classic Linen

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 4/5/2004 12:00:00 AM

LOS ANGELES —

As part of its strategy to dramatically expand its residential product strength, American Dawn Inc. has acquired Classic Linen.

Simultaneously, ADI launched the first collection of towels under its Raymond Waites Designs license. ADI also is the licensee for Raymond Waites Designs dec pillows.

Additionally, the company is planning to move into the fashion bedding business, according to Ernest Turocy, executive vice president and chief operating officer. Originally a 30-plus-year supplier of home fashions to the institutional, salon and healthcare industries, the firm three years ago moved into home fashions with a full service terry program, decorative pillows, table runners, throws, seasonal merchandise, and pet pillows.

Classic Linen, formed in 2001 by Jim Fitzgibbons and Steve Puckett, will be merged with ADI's Home Fashion Division. Puckett has become vice president of sales for the Home Fashions Division. Fitzgibbons has become "an executive director who will help develop new products and markets on a consulting basis," Turocy added. Puckett continues to be based in Huntersville, N.C.

The Classic Linen Mexican facility will continue to be used as a vendor, Turocy said.

According to ADI, the purchase of Classic Linen "will amplify our product offering," as well as provide the logistical and distribution support to Classic's. Puckett added, "The merger between Classic Linen and ADI's Home Fashion Division will capitalize on the synergies of the two companies to create an even stronger source of controlled supply of home textile products from Pakistan, India, Mexico and China to the U.S. market."