Couristan, Haima building giant China rug plant
By Lissa Wyman -- Furniture Today, April 16, 2006
Shanghai, China — Couristan and Haima Group Corp. have formed Couristan/China, a joint venture that is building one of the largest woven carpet and rug manufacturing facilities in the world.
The alliance was announced here last month at the Domotex Asia/China Floor Coverings market by Wang Zhaoqi, president and general manager of Haima Group, and by Couristan Chairman George Couri and CEO Ron Couri.
The move reflects a major change in Couristan's production strategy.
"The center of gravity for the world's manufacturing has shifted from Western Europe to China. With this move, we are insuring the future growth of our company," said Ron Couri.
Couristan's Axminster looms are now being moved from Ireland to China, he said. The company has no U.S. manufacturing.
"Couristan and Haima have been in talks for some time. The agreement was finalized in October 2005 and now we are proceeding with construction of new manufacturing facilities," Wang said.
Couristan, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is a major manufacturer, importer and distributor of Axminster and Wilton woven carpets and rugs. Through its hospitality division, it is a leading supplier of Axminster broadloom carpeting for hotels and restaurants worldwide.
The joint venture will combine the weaving expertise of both companies. New Axminster and face-to-face woven equipment will be put in place at Haima facilities in China's Shandong Province.
Haima, a major producer of rugs and carpeting, currently is consolidating and expanding its manufacturing. The company now operates at three separate facilities.
"When construction is completed on the new 1 million-square-foot building at the end of the year, Couristan/China will be the largest Axminster factory in the world," said George Couri. "From the beginning of our negotiations with Haima, we all shared a common vision and goal: that we would be a model of cooperation for many others to follow in the years ahead."
While the United States and Canada currently are Couristan's major markets, the Couristan/China plant will expand the company's reach in the global market, George Couri said.
-
Couristan and Haima Group join together
Apr 12, 2006
Featured Company
-
Wright Labels
Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
