In the Industry

Bella Rose Partners With Napp Deady

Bella Rose by Chateau has partnered with the sales firm Napp Deady to cover the U.S. Southeast region. Sharon Turner, president of Bella Rose, says that Napp Deady’s 40-plus years of industry experience will help represent Bella Rose in its entirety.

“The Southeast is one of our strongest regions and we are grateful that our customers will be in such competent hands,” says Turner.

In Atlanta and High Point, Bella Rose will now be located in Napp Deady showrooms in AmericasMart and the IHFC buildings, respectively.

Brunschwig & Fils Agents Houlès & Cie

Brunschwig & Fils, the luxury textiles and home furnishings company, has become the exclusive agent of Houlès & Cie, a decorative trimmings company. Olivier Peardon, CEO of Brunschwig & Fils, anticipates a progressive transfer of the product line to his showrooms starting early this year.

Both companies remain family-run, and this new alliance with Brunschwig in the American market will help Houlès & Cie gain increased exposure. Brunschwig & Fils will continue to offer to its customers its own extensive line of fabrics, furniture and trimmings.

Welspun Acquires Sorema

Home textiles manufacturer Welspun has acquired Portugal-based Sorema, a supplier of luxury bath rugs, bath accessories and shower curtains. The acquisition will provide Welspun with new retail accounts in Europe, the U.K. and Mexico, as well as a high-end product line with a $4 million foothold in the U.S. This is just in time for the spring 2008 opening of Welspun’s new bath rug plant in India. It also corresponds with the 2006 Welspun purchase of British terry producer Christy, a business move which boosted Welspun up in the better bath towel business in the U.K. and Europe.

Arthur Ellis, Owner of A.L. Ellis, Dies at 77

Arthur Linwood “Skeet” Ellis III, 77, passed away quietly on Jan. 17 in Plymouth, MA. He was the owner/operator of A.L. Ellis, Inc. curtain manufacturers in North Plymouth and Fall River for nearly 50 years. Skeet was involved in many community societies, and was the former president of both the Rotary and Plymouth Country Clubs. He established the Hornblower Memorial Golf Tournament.

Skeet is survived by wife, Linda, daughter Dana Short and her husband Kevin; son Mike Ellis; and stepsons, Alex Greenson and Bruce, Charles and David Freedman. He will also be greatly missed by 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.