Felpinter Sofil Launches in U.S.Portuguese Companies Combine Into One
By Michele SanFilippo -- Home Textiles Today, 1/3/2005
New Brunswick, N.J. — This past summer two Portuguese towel manufacturers, Felpinter, Ltd. and Sofil, Ltd., decided to strengthen their position in the global marketplace by merging to form a larger company, now known as Felpinter Sofil, Ltd. The physical consolidation of both factories under one roof was completed in August.
“This was an excellent match of a predominately jacquard terry factory (Felpinter) with a predominantly dobby solid color bath factory (Sofil) to make a much larger, more efficient vertical manufacturing operation, fully geared for the new competitive global market,” said Reinaldo Chaves, marketing director for Felpinter Sofil USA.
The combined company's first foray into the U.S. happened this fall when it opened a U.S. office and design studio in New Brunswick; a warehouse in central New Jersey; and a New York showroom at 295 Fifth Ave., in suite #514. A Web site for the new entity is in the works for February 2005.
Combined with its increased manufacturing facility, Felpinter Sofil began to launch its global brand marketing strategy, which consisted of introducing its well-established European brands — Sofil, Colorati and Natural Essence — to the U.S. market.
The new company also signed an exclusive licensing agreement for the Spanish Nicoleta towel and bedding brands. The towels are manufactured by Felpinter Sofil and the bedding is manufactured by Estabenell y Pahisa, SA of Barcelona. Felpinter Sofil has exclusive rights to globally market and distribute the Nicoleta brand of towels and sheets.
In addition, Felpinter Sofil designated Lace Good Company of Woodbridge, Ontario as its Canadian distributor.
Felpinter Sofil also recently signed an exclusive licensing agreement to manufacture and globally market the Adrienne Landau Fashion Design home textile lines. Landau is a high-end apparel designer and manufacturer currently available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Nieman Marcus. The new home line will be launched by the April New York Home Textiles Market.
