Burlington, Bentex Merge

October 8, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on October 9, 2012

Two fabric manufacturers in the midst of growth have inked a strategic deal that promises to strengthen both companies and deliver expanded capability, capacity and level of service.

In what both companies describe as an "ideal alliance", Burlington Technologies has partnered with neighboring Greensboro-based weaver Bentex Mills, bringing together a host of strategic capabilities, operating synergies and expanded market opportunities, according to Michael R. Durham, BT's president and CEO.

"The alliance has major implications for all of our associated business segments," Durham said. "We could not be more enthusiastic than to partner with a successful company that has such a sterling record of accomplishment, and one that is so well respected in our industry."

Bentex owner Ernest Benbassat will be an instrumental addition to the BT management team as executive vice president of fabric manufacturing as well as continuing as president of the Bentex division.

He said that the merger of business interests "rested in finding the right partner to continue our growth, maintain Bentex's unique manufacturing philosophy, and enhance the long term future of my loyal associates and customers."

Benbassat said BT's facilities, capabilities, and raw material supply will accelerate Bentex's opportunity to grow in volume, breadth of product mix, and service to its customers.

"The simple fact is, this is as perfect of a fit as two companies could hope for; and no one will know that more than our customers," he said.

According to Durham, the partnership comes at a time when North American textile customers are once again concentrating on domestic suppliers.

"The offshore pricing advantages for small lot sizes and/or sophisticated weavers are fast disappearing," he said. "And now customers are taking a closer look at things like intellectual property protection, product quality, inventories and reliable delivery."