Mytex quickens the pace

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/27/2012 2:22:23 PM

New York - It has long been on of the industry's "quiet companies," flying under the radar and serving select accounts, but Mytex has been broadening its scope and building out staff as it looks to step up its profile.

"The focus for many years was other than big box stores. But now we're going to the next level," said industry veteran Art Siegel, who has been consulting with Mytex for three years and now serves as director of U.S. sales.

He joined one-time market leader American Pacific during the 1980s and was vp of sales and general manager during its period of explosive growth. Siegel said he sees the same potential in Mytex.

"It's a great company - and I don't use that term loosely. The product design, the quality, the timely delivery, the competitive price - it's the whole package."

Company founder Richard Yee - the fourth generation of a textiles family - was formerly Pillowtex's vp of Asian operations in charge of product sourcing and purchasing. He established Mytex's cut and sew operation in China in 1995 and opened its U.S. headquarters office in Honolulu three years later. The U.S. mainland office is located in New York at 230 Fifth Ave.

Bob Goldman was one of the first salespeople at Mytex. He is now vp global sales and markets. In-house creative is lead by Jennifer Paige, who joined four years ago after being on staff with a leading bedding manufacturer. Henry Gao is general manager of the operation in China. Based in Shanghai, he orchestrates staff, production and sourcing.

In addition to holding the license for Cabella's bedding, Mytex has manufactured several other branded programs, including Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Tommy Bahama, Perry Ellis and QVC's Northern Nights.

In the past year, it has opened new accounts in the off-price and department store channels - and Siegel continues to add account reps to put the company into more retail channels.

"I'm looking for individuals who can bring in specific accounts. Although we have several salespeople working with us now, we have selective accounts open," he said.

The company's product range includes comforters and sets, quilts and sheet sets - adult and juvenile - in all types of constructions. It can also produce window panels and dec pillows.