Appelbaum Heads 2 Park Group, In P/Kaufmann Inc. Reorganization
March 26, 2001
Major converter restructures, promotes executives in streamlining effort
New York – P/Kaufmann, Inc. has restructured internally, grouping the Braemore, Bloomcraft and Western Textile divisions under an umbrella name, the 2 Park Group, said Ron Kaufmann, president of P. Kaufmann, Inc., the $200 million converter powerhouse which produces 2,000 new SKUs every year.
Bob Appelbaum has become president of 2 Park Group as part of the restructuring. Appelbaum has been with the company since 1980, most recently as president of Western and Braemore. Some of Appelbaum's new responsibilities were formerly handled by Ron Kaufmann. Kaufmann will now have a chance to focus on other activities, a company insider said.
For example, Fred Vecchione, president of Bloomcraft, will now report to Appelbaum where before, Vecchione reported directly to Ron Kaufmann.
Bloomcraft has recently completed a reorganization of its design team. The first Bloomcraft collections entirely designed by designers Emily Mann (wovens) and Marion Murray (prints) are just making their debut.
It is hoped that the internal changes will make the company more streamlined and efficient as P/ Kaufmann Inc. continues to digest the several acquisitions it made in the past years, company insiders said. Since the acquisitions were made, the company has reportedly worked diligently to develop distinct and separate brands with their own handwriting.
For example, Braemore was the new name given to the Fabriyaz brand. Braemore is now the top end line of P/Kaufmann Inc. It features prints utilizing up to 20 screens designed and developed from authentic documents as well as luxurious and exclusive basecloths.
P. Kaufmann Fabrics, headed by Lance Garcy, is in the mid to upper middle price point with upscale patterns, unique colorations and an extensive collections of complimentary wovens.
Bloomcraft, which features casual, youthful prints and wovens is priced slightly lower than the P. Kaufmann line while Western features upscale drapery as well as basic wovens and no prints.
The management changes are also expected to give executives more responsibility for day- to-day operations, which will help them to increase sales.
In addition, Harry Cushing has been named president of Braemore. Cushing has been with the company since 1991 and was previously vice president of sales for Braemore.
At Western Textile, Victoria Armentrout has been appointed vice president of design. She was previously design director. Neil Paladino has been named vice president of sales. He was previously national sales manager of Western Textile.
"I thoroughly enjoy working with these great people," noted Appelbaum, "and I am pleased that we are able to recognize them for their contributions. This company has a long history of recognizing and developing talent," he added, "and this is another example of putting people in key positions to provide leadership and growth."
In additional moves, Tom Siblo, previously national sales manager for Bloomcraft has been appointed director of P/Kaufmann Outdoor Fabrics. Bloomcraft introduced outdoor fabrics last season. The outdoor line was reported to have had a positive reaction from the trade. It is expected that Siblo will continue to grow this product category for the P. Kaufman organization.
Vecchione will assume his previous sales responsibilities at Bloomcraft. Siblo will also be responsible for the sale of closeouts and seconds for the 2 Park Group.
Rick DePalo has been named to the executive committee of P/Kaufmann, Inc. DePalo's responsibilities include converting, warehousing and the company's Bennettsville, SC print plant. This plant was originally started by Werner Greiner, principal of Pausa in a joint venture with P. Kaufmann. He sold his share to P/Kaufmann last year.
"In this challenging economic climate, we're very pleased to recognize and promote such a talented group of executives," said Ron Kaufmann. "Their contributions to the growth and success of this company make us very optimistic about the future."
New York – P/Kaufmann, Inc. has restructured internally, grouping the Braemore, Bloomcraft and Western Textile divisions under an umbrella name, the 2 Park Group, said Ron Kaufmann, president of P. Kaufmann, Inc., the $200 million converter powerhouse which produces 2,000 new SKUs every year.
Bob Appelbaum has become president of 2 Park Group as part of the restructuring. Appelbaum has been with the company since 1980, most recently as president of Western and Braemore. Some of Appelbaum's new responsibilities were formerly handled by Ron Kaufmann. Kaufmann will now have a chance to focus on other activities, a company insider said.
For example, Fred Vecchione, president of Bloomcraft, will now report to Appelbaum where before, Vecchione reported directly to Ron Kaufmann.
Bloomcraft has recently completed a reorganization of its design team. The first Bloomcraft collections entirely designed by designers Emily Mann (wovens) and Marion Murray (prints) are just making their debut.
It is hoped that the internal changes will make the company more streamlined and efficient as P/ Kaufmann Inc. continues to digest the several acquisitions it made in the past years, company insiders said. Since the acquisitions were made, the company has reportedly worked diligently to develop distinct and separate brands with their own handwriting.
For example, Braemore was the new name given to the Fabriyaz brand. Braemore is now the top end line of P/Kaufmann Inc. It features prints utilizing up to 20 screens designed and developed from authentic documents as well as luxurious and exclusive basecloths.
P. Kaufmann Fabrics, headed by Lance Garcy, is in the mid to upper middle price point with upscale patterns, unique colorations and an extensive collections of complimentary wovens.
Bloomcraft, which features casual, youthful prints and wovens is priced slightly lower than the P. Kaufmann line while Western features upscale drapery as well as basic wovens and no prints.
The management changes are also expected to give executives more responsibility for day- to-day operations, which will help them to increase sales.
In addition, Harry Cushing has been named president of Braemore. Cushing has been with the company since 1991 and was previously vice president of sales for Braemore.
At Western Textile, Victoria Armentrout has been appointed vice president of design. She was previously design director. Neil Paladino has been named vice president of sales. He was previously national sales manager of Western Textile.
"I thoroughly enjoy working with these great people," noted Appelbaum, "and I am pleased that we are able to recognize them for their contributions. This company has a long history of recognizing and developing talent," he added, "and this is another example of putting people in key positions to provide leadership and growth."
In additional moves, Tom Siblo, previously national sales manager for Bloomcraft has been appointed director of P/Kaufmann Outdoor Fabrics. Bloomcraft introduced outdoor fabrics last season. The outdoor line was reported to have had a positive reaction from the trade. It is expected that Siblo will continue to grow this product category for the P. Kaufman organization.
Vecchione will assume his previous sales responsibilities at Bloomcraft. Siblo will also be responsible for the sale of closeouts and seconds for the 2 Park Group.
Rick DePalo has been named to the executive committee of P/Kaufmann, Inc. DePalo's responsibilities include converting, warehousing and the company's Bennettsville, SC print plant. This plant was originally started by Werner Greiner, principal of Pausa in a joint venture with P. Kaufmann. He sold his share to P/Kaufmann last year.
"In this challenging economic climate, we're very pleased to recognize and promote such a talented group of executives," said Ron Kaufmann. "Their contributions to the growth and success of this company make us very optimistic about the future."
