Glen Raven Inc., a provider of performance fabrics, has acquired Sunbury Textile Mills, a 63-year-old city business at 1150 Walnut Street Extension. With the acquisition complete, Sunbury is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glen Raven and is now operating as part of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, best known as the makers of Sunbrella fabrics.

Allen E. Gant, Jr., chairman and CEO of Glen Raven, Inc. said that by combining resources, Glen Raven and Sunbury are poised to continue expanding the unparalleled level of service that customers of both companies have come to expect. He further said that today is a milestone day in the history of both companies. Glen Raven and Sunbury have been strategic business partners for more than 20 years.

The Sunbury facility for the last 20 years has been exclusively licensed to produce Glen Raven's Sunbrella fabrics for outdoor/indoor furniture markets. Financial terms between the two privately held companies were not disclosed.

Sunbrella fabrics — described as "durable, easy care" fabrics available in thousands of styles, fabrics and colors for both indoor and outdoor furniture — make up 40 percent of Sunbury Textile Mills' current business, according to Vice President of Operations Brian Burke.

Sunbury specializes in innovative decorative jacquard upholstery fabrics targeting the design community and luxury furniture manufacturers, for both residential and contract applications. Sunbury’s designers create bespoke collections, focusing on inspirational patterns, innovative constructions and leading color trends.

David Swers, president and chief operating officer of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics said that the long-term potential of this acquisition is one focused on providing exceptional business solutions for their customers. Inspiration is a hallmark at both companies, as evident in Sunbury product lines that include Sunbrella fabrics.

Hank Truslow Jr., who will remain CEO of Sunbury, said that the acquisition is described as a “win-win” for Sunbury customers. Their partnership with Glen Raven has been built on decades of serving customers with innovate design solutions. Their new relationship will only strengthen that commitment, including the endless possibilities for providing design inspirations that result in beautiful, innovative products.

Sunbury Textile Mills is located at the former Susquehanna Silk Mill, which operated from 1896 to 1952. Founded in 1954, the current facility specializes in innovative decorative upholstery fabrics targeting the design community and luxury furniture manufacturers, for both residential and contract applications for the hospitality, restaurant and health care industries.

The 400,000-square-foot facility operates on 65 acres of land in Sunbury with half of that space dedicated to manufacturing. The Sunbury manufacturing location has 180 employees while the creative design and sales location in New York City has 30 employees.

Glen Raven Inc. is a global company founded in 1880 in Alamance County, North Carolina is active in upholstery, marine, technical shading, automotive, military, water filtration and protective work wear markets. It operates national distribution and logistics subsidiaries. Its product sales is spread over more than 120 countries worldwide.