HUDSON, N.C. — Austrian-based performance textile manufacturer Sattler AG celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its acquisition of North Carolina outdoor fabric manufacturer Outdura.
Sattler purchased Outura from Shuford Mills in 2010. The purchase included the circa 1904 Hudson Cotton Mill, which was Shuford Mills’ production operation and distribution center in Hudson, N.C. The 180,000 sq. ft. mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as Outdura’s headquarters and production facility.
At the time of the transition, Manfred Heissenberger, Sattler director of marketing and sales said, “We believe Outdura’s strength in the casual furniture and marine segments will complement our current focus on the sun shading segment.”
Over the years Outdura has seen many changes. After the purchase in 2010, all-new equipment was installed and the weave shop was completely re-tooled. Their mission is to be the go-to manufacturer and supplier of fabrics for casual furniture, shade and marine applications.
The company recently launched its new Ovation 4 cut yardage collection, which joins Ovation 3, Modern Textures and a host of solids for a combined total of 271 fabric choices, including new designs and classics that have endured for the company.
“Without a doubt, Sparkle and Rumor would be our top two fabrics,” said Uli Tombuelt, Sattler/Outdura CEO and director of sales casual furniture division. “We introduced Sparkle in 2005 with 11 colors, and it has grown to 48 color choices. Rumor, a popular textured boucle, was introduced in 2009 with 18 colors and is still actively growing with 32 colors. Both are in our Modern Textures cut yardage program and are ready for quick ship.”
Originally launched in the late 1990s, Outdura is known for its solution-dyed acrylic performance fabric with color pigments that penetrate through the fiber, not just on the surface. The UV-protected fabrics resist fading and remain colorfast after sun and weather exposure exceeding 1,500 testing hours. They are stain-, water-, mold- and mildew-resistant, and bleach-cleanable.
Several years ago, Outdura purchased three acres of land adjacent to the mill from the city of Hudson to be available for future expansion. Outdura is also an active member of Hudson’s Chamber of Commerce Historical Society. Donations using their own solution-dyed acrylic fabrics to organizations such as the Hudson Uptown Building (HUB) for a new awning have made Sattler Outdura a valued and trusted community member.