Swavelle Completes, and Expects Boost, From Al Fresco Outdoor Fabric Purchase

September 6, 2018

By ERIC SCHNEIDER

NEW YORK — Swavelle / Mill Creek Fabrics has purchased the Al Fresco Functional Fabrics division from Altizer & Co. Decorative Textiles.

Al Fresco is an indoor-outdoor performance fabrics converter.

The purchase price was not disclosed but one executive close to the deal says, “it was the smoothest acquisition Swavelle ever made.”

With the purchase of Al Fresco, Swavelle executives recognized the opportunity to buy a separate company to complement its position in this fastest growing, but crowded segment of the upholstery business.  

“We are very excited for this opportunity to significantly grow our outdoor fabric business,” says Jeff Thomases, Swavelle CEO and principal. “The inclusion of Al Fresco Fabrics will greatly expand our performance fabric offerings to the furniture, wholesale, retail, and hospitality trades.”

Swavelle has been a converter for 35 years, while Altizer & Co. Decorative Textiles was founded by Howard Altizer in 1980. He will remain a consultant in the current arrangement.

Altizer, along with current President Todd Nifong, started up Al Fresco in 2003. They both identified a need for more decorative fabrics focused on the outdoor marketplace, which were functional in design, construction, and feel, but could be used comfortably indoors as well.

With the creation of the Al Fresco Functional Fabrics division, the business experienced fast growth and consolidated its focus in 2008 solely on the outdoor performance marketplace.

 
 


Find Out Why 15 Offshore Fabric Companies Chose Infinity

Subscribe to Receive Industry News Alerts

How would you like to receive news?

Join