It’s an American manufacturing partnership that began with the vision of two men, two local businesses in different states, and … a bicycle. Through the years, their visions grew and thrived, and the story developed into a multi-faceted tale of success and values held in the face of changing times.
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 hometown, was small 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.
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. 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, developed the V Screen, thus beginning a pattern that has repeated throughout Draper history – even until today – of developing new and innovative products.
A similar pattern was developing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where, in 1952, J. Reese Phifer founded Phifer, Inc. Initially a weaver of aluminum insect screening, Phifer had two main goals: Excel in quality and in service. As Phifer broadened and expanded its weaving expertise to include innovative sun control fabrics, the company never lost sight of those goals.
A True American Manufacturing Partnership
Draper and Phifer established their unique partnership decades ago. It is built on deep roots and shared values. That partnership accelerated with the launch of the Draper FlexShade line in 1989, with Phifer high-performance fabrics playing a key role.
The journey of each unique American shade starts with the finest yarns precision woven by Phifer in Tuscaloosa to mesh high performance with current trends, colors, and designs. Phifer uses American science and technology to create durable solar control solutions that reduce glare, increase privacy, and add comfort, while looking beautiful in commercial buildings, public spaces, and homes.
Around the end of the 20th century, many competitors began moving component supply and even manufacturing out of the country. Draper remained true to its longtime values and began bringing more and more manufacturing process in-house.
Historic Choices Benefit Partners
All of these add up to stability, a focus on customer service, fast, reliable delivery, and the knowledge that Draper and Phifer will be here for you.
That is the American-made advantage – crafted by Phifer, manufactured by Draper. Two family-owned companies supporting the communities where we work, build and live, and delivering the American dream to windows around the world.
Draper and Phifer have partnered to create a short video exploring our American manufacturing partnership. Click here to watch it now. And if you like what you see, and we sound like the kind of manufacturing partner you’re looking for, sign up today and become a Draper dealer!
You can also click here to learn more about Phifer!
