It’s an American manufacturing story that begins with one man’s vision, a small local business, and a bicycle. Through the years, that vision grew and thrived, and the story developed into a multi-faceted tale of success and values held in the face of changing times. And through it all, that initial vision remains at the center.
A Booming Beginning
Luther O. Draper could not have chosen a better time to start his window shade business. In 1902, Indiana’s economy was booming, particularly in manufacturing. Spiceland, his home, was a small town but it had what Draper needed; a space for his business, a ready work force, and proximity to the Interurban, a railway that connected small towns with larger communities. Draper used the Interurban and his bicycle to call on schools throughout east central Indiana and western Ohio.
Growth and Resiliency
Throughout the first part of the 20th century, the Luther O. Draper Shade Company developed new shading products for different window types. In the 19-teens, the company moved into new office and manufacturing space in its current location. The Interurban train line ran right past the front of the building. While the Depression era of the 1930s hit everyone hard, Draper remained steady, weathering the storm without a single layoff.
A Pattern Develops
In the 1950s, window shade customers began asking if the company would be interested in providing projection screens to schools. Luther Pidgeon, grandson of founder Luther Draper and a future president of the company, got to work. After all, screens worked on the same principle as shades – a fabric attached to a roller. Pidgeon developed the V Screen, thus beginning a pattern that has repeated throughout Draper history – even until today – of developing new and innovative products that have something in common – materials or operation – with existing products being manufactured in Spiceland. This led to the development of such seemingly unrelated products as gym divider curtains, basketball and volleyball equipment, projector lifts and mounts, and structures for video walls.
A True American Manufacturer.
Beginning around the end of the 20th century, a pattern began developing in the various product categories Draper serves: moving component supply and even manufacturing out of the country. Draper remained true to its longtime values and took the opposite approach. The company began bringing more and more manufacturing process in-house, growing from a mainly assembly operation to a true manufacturer.
Historic Choices Benefit Partners
We are not a transactional company, looking to race to the lowest bottom line. We base our business on long term partnerships and deeper relationships for better outcomes. We have complete control over the manufacturing process. Multiple quality checks throughout the process, and final inspection of the completed product, reduce errors and returns.
Draper is a debt-free, financially-sound, family-owned company. Draper is not going anywhere; the company will never be sold and is not dependent on nor beholden to a larger entity. As an American manufacturer, our pricing is also more stable – tariffs have much less of an impact on us.
All of these add up to stability, a focus on customer service, fast, reliable delivery, and the knowledge that whenever you need us – next week, next month, next year, or next decade – Draper will be here for you.
