New Orleans – Blumenthal Print Works first began its life as a converter in 1924 and became a greige goods weaver, but today, it is a full-fledged mill in Marion, S.C.

Founded by his grandfather, Sidney, Harry Blumenthal Jr. continues to guide the company through the rough terrain of the mattress ticking industry, which represents 80 percent of his business.

However, the jacquard woven upholstery business is the fastest growing part of Blumenthal today. Blumenthal is a small player in this business but one whose stature is growing. Yet, the company is following the paths of competitors in upholstery by making some bold moves — though they got into the game just seven years ago.

''We were approached by Jack Glabman of the Glabman Himes Company to get into the damask upholstery business in a small way back then,'' said Blumenthal Jr., the third generation owner. Tom Himes still does the designing of the Blumenthal upholstery line. ''Sales were dramatic, spectacular in fact — well beyond one million yards in just a couple of years. We couldn't catch up with the orders,'' he said. ''Since we're not in the business of aggravating our customers, we put the machinery in place to catch up with demand.''

In the process, Blumen-thal's customers said they wanted soft-hand textures.''

In July, 1999, the company installed equipment to give the new line the soft hand and texture desired by the customers.

Blumenthal's marketing and administration is based in New Orleans even though the mill is in South Carolina. New Orleans has always been home to the Blumen-thals. The family includes his cousin Jerry who is head of the ticking business. Jerry is also the brother of Sidney B. Steiner, the Executive Vice President of the Upholstery Division.

Other players include Loel Hofmann, Vice President of International Sales. Hoffman said that export is a relatively new business for the company but that Blumenthal is commited to building it. Loel is a 14-year veteran of Blumen-thal. He'll be at Decosit and Heimtextil this year at the Blumenthal stand.