Capel Incorporated Acquires Mastercraft Programs

Furniture World Magazine

Capel Incorporated announced that it acquired strictly the inventory assets of Mastercraft Imports, Ltd. effective October 31, 2003. Mastercraft is recognized nationwide for distinctive, high-end machine-made rugs from Belgium and England in four exclusive collections. The inventory purchase allows Capel to integrate Mastercraft's wool Axminster "Severn Manor," two wool Wilton qualities in "Ashton" and "Rahmaz," and a 1.2 million point, densely woven polypropylene Wilton called "Satin." All of these collections are in traditional oriental designs and colors, and Capel will incorporate them into their own direct import and open stock programs. Capel also recently announced the appointment of Norm Sweeters, former President of Mastercraft, as their new Managing Director of Imports effective November 17, 2003. Sweeters began his career in the rug industry in 1972 with his family's business, Pande Cameron of New York, and moved to head up Mastercraft in February, 1995. “Mastercraft, under the leadership of Norm Sweeters, has done an outstanding job in the design, color and manufacturing quality of these collections,” said Capel's Executive Director Jesse Capel. “These styles will enhance Capel’s product line and enable us to offer new and outstanding machine-made qualities.” The programs will be offered from Capel’s Charleston, SC, warehouse. All preexisting styles, colors and sizes from the former Mastercraft collections will be available from Capel stock, and prices will remain unchanged. Mr. Sweeters will be available at Capel beginning November 17 to answer any inquiries from his former Mastercraft customers to ease their transition into the Capel program.