The Summer Classics Private Label Division is now managing all of the company’s private-label cushion business. The division has been manufacturing private-label furniture for the past 12 years.

Harold Hudson, Summer Classics Private Label Division’s president, explains, “We are moving this business segment to the private-label company to serve our customers who are interested in quality frames and cushions branded with their names and also for the retailer who offers replacement cushions to end consumers.“ The Summer Classics Private Label Division is a multichannel manufacturer that makes private-label furniture and outdoor cushions for resellers in North America, as well…

C.R. Plastic Products has moved its manufacturing and corporate head office to a 300,000–square-foot facility in Stratford, Ontario, tripling in size. In addition to continuing to add new product lines and making design improvements on current products, the company has also expanded into the international marketplace over the past few years. With this additional space and growing workforce, the opportunities for the company’s future growth are exponential.

C.R. Plastic Products has planned an industrywide grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for August 22. The mayor of Stratford will be a featured guest. There will also be detailed factory tours, giving…

Summer Classics remembers former employee Susan Lambeth for her smile, for her whatever-it-takes attitude, and for putting her customers first. Lambeth was a dedicated member of the sales team for 17 years in North and South Carolina.

In 2009, she lost her battle with ovarian cancer after courageously fighting for three years. Harold Hudson, president of Summer Classics Private Label Division, says, “She is remembered not only as a valuable sales rep, but also as a loving wife, mother, and advocate” for ovarian-cancer patients. Hudson worked closely with Lambeth throughout her tenure with the company.

In honor of…

Todd Wingrove was named vice president of sales, Specialty Division, for Agio, USA. Wingrove is responsible for increasing sales with patio-specialty and indoor customers, as well as for the newly launched domestic-warehousing program.

He’s excited to join the Agio team, as Agio is “the industry leader that I’ve been a fan of for years,” Wingrove says. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of maintaining our strong relationship with specialty retailers and continuing our growth among traditional furniture retailers and in other emerging retail categories.”

Announcing the hiring, Mike Gaylord, Agio, USA’s vice president of sales, says, “Throughout the…

After 43 years in the home-furnishings industry and 12 years as a manufacturers’ representative for Castelle and other outdoor-living lines, Brad Elliott will retire this summer. As the owner of Elliott Sales (Rock Hill, South Carolina), Elliott currently manages outdoorproduct sales in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Steve Lowsky, CEO of Castelle, says, “We are thankful for Brad’s years of dedicated service to Castelle, as well as to the industry. Brad has done an outstanding job representing our products and assisting the retail partners within his region over the years. He has always been a true professional and will be…

Designed to be mixed and matched, the new Sunbrella®Shift collection by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics debuts with classic designs interpreted in a contemporary fashion. The collection comprises six patterns that cleverly layer texture, color, and pattern, fusing traditional pattern with modern styling.

Greg Voorhis, design director for Glen Raven, says, “One of the strongest trends in the market today is the use of opposing forces. You see old contrasted with new, light with dark, shiny with matte, and natural with man-made. We considered all of these opposing forces in creating this collection, and as a whole, it can be…

Castelle has promoted Rory Rehmert to the position of president of its Summer Winds Division. Rehmert will oversee the entire Summer Winds brand, including product development, manufacturing, positioning, sales, and promotion.

Steve Lowsky, CEO of Castelle, says, “Exciting things are planned for our Summer Winds brand, and there was a need to place a dedicated individual at the helm. Rory, who continues to be a valued member of our corporate-management team, was the obvious choice for taking on the opportunity to be chief steward of the upcoming product advancements, sales coordination, and brand enhancement planned.”

Rehmert is a…

Castelle has signed a licensing agreement for collaboration with interior designer and author Barclay Butera. Through the partnership, the award-winning manufacturer will produce and market a line of outdoor-furnishing designs created by Butera. The partnership also will include joint events highlighting outdoor living for the design and home-furnishings industries.

Steve Lowsky, CEO of Castelle, says, “We are very excited about partnering with Barclay Butera and his entire creative team on new products and promotions. Over the years, we have been approached regarding numerous design or brand partnering opportunities. With Barclay, we saw a true fit. In addition to his…