Oriental Weavers Announces Sphinx/ Owa Merger

Furniture World Magazine

Oriental weavers announced friday the strategic alignment of its north american distribution (sphinx) and domestic manufacturing operation (owa) to a “100% customer focused strategy.” effective january 1, 2004, the combination of superior products, resources and talented employees will further improve the companies’ sales, service and market share. In 1991, sphinx by oriental weavers was formed to distribute reasonably priced, fashion-forward machine-made area rugs, produced by parent company oriental weavers in egypt, throughout north america. Due to the increasing popularity of sphinx product, the company realized the need to open a manufacturing facility in the united states to supply the rising demand. As a result, ow america was created in 1994. While sphinx customers have always consisted of specialty floor covering stores, department stores and furniture stores, the american manufacturing focus has been more on the big box and mass merchant segments Over the past decade, sphinx and owa have earned the reputation of being the premier manufacturers and distributors of area rugs. “this integration will allow us to better focus on our target markets,” said steve stultz, senior vice president of ow america. “Our company is in a very unique position,” said mike riley, executive vice president of sphinx. “ while many manufacturers are closing their us facilities and importing more products from overseas, we have the opportunity to utilize resources overseas and in the u.s. to reorganize and strengthen our supply chain. In doing so, we will own a more distinctive market advantage.” By leveraging the low-cost production in Egypt and China as well as the efficient production and speed of the American factory. Oriental Weavers will be able to continue offering customers superior quality and fashion-forward designs at an unparalleled value; all backed by the consistent and professional customer service for which the company is known.