NEW YORK — ADF/Westgate has ended its agreement with Houssam ‘Sam’ Rayess to represent it in the Middle East as director of sales after almost two years to the day.

Rayess and Li’s arrangement will most likely be settled by the courts, it was learned. According to Harvey Poe, ADF’s legal consul, this change is mostly due to financial irregularities. He further states that these irregularities will be resolved in courts.  Rayess did not want to be quoted other than saying his deal with Li has come undone due to actions taken by Li.

At the same time, Steven Schroeder, ADF/Westgate vice president of international sales has been terminated by the company. Stephen Schroeder was working closely with Rayess and was Rayess’ colleague 12 years ago at Quaker Fabrics Corp. Schroeder could not be reached for comment.

“We are very committed to servicing our Middle East clients out of our Lebanon warehouse and offices. We are in the final stage of reorganizing our new management team. These senior executives have extensive knowledge of our industry and are well respected by the local communities”. “Our clients will be pleased with the changes. Quite frankly I don’t know any company would have done differently if they were in our position”, Li said.  ADF’s new Middle East team will be showing the new 2013  line at booth 8F331 of  the Index show in Dubai which is between  Sept. 24-27.

ADF/Westgate expected to firmly establish itself in the Middle East with its first warehouse operation in the Beirut, Lebanon Free Trade Zone under the direction of Houssam. At the time of the arrangement in 2010, Rayess said: “The customer doesn’t want to hold stock today and now he won’t have to deal with ADF,” said Rayess. “We expect to dominate the market with our lines.”

ADF produces faux leather, silk, 100% spun polyester indoor/outdoor fabric featuring embroideries, chenilles, and jacquards; a total of 500 sku’s was handpicked by Houssam for this unique market including sample books. ADF produces 1,500 sku’s twice a year with 500 sku’s targeted for export, said principal David Li. 

ADF was established in 1995 by Li, whose family also started Orient West in 1991, the brand name for ADF in China.  Prior to starting ADF, Li was with The Robert Allen Group for six years.