Lebanon, Pennsylvania — Mike Durham, President, CEO of Burlington Technologies and Sloan Caplan, President, CEO of Keystone Weaving announced May 7 that BT has signed a letter of intent to purchase KW.  

The purchase will include the KW Brand and its business in both the Home Fabrics and Apparel Fabrics Markets.

The core businesses for Burlington Technologies currently include its two flagship companies, Se7en, which provides woven jacquard fabrics for Home Furnishings and Bentex which produces woven fabrics for the Contract Market.  Its BMS Division dyes and prepares yarns for the weaving and knitting trades.

Caplan stated that his family has been in the weaving business for more than 80 years and the family decided they want to apply their energies to other interests.  “We have been extremely pleased with our growth in the Home Fabrics arena but my father Eli Caplan, and my uncle, Perry Caplan and I felt this was a good time to sell,” said Caplan.

Under his leadership the company has become highly diversified and not only provides a variety of apparel fabrics to that market but has developed a strong business in the Home Fabrics field.  Keystone designs and manufactures jacquard and dobby woven fabrics for new furniture, jobbers, hospitality, converters, and retail.

Durham stated that Keystone is recognized for its use of natural  and recycled fibers which is unlike Se7en and Bentex who primarily utilize synthetics.  “Another major plus is the enormous dobby capacity they bring to the table,” he said. “There is little overlap between  the two companies and Keystone will function as an independent division.” He added that all Keystone manufacturing  and services will be moved to North Carolina and there will be no interruption of service.  He said, “everyone in BT is excited about this merger and we believe it is a major step for all of us involved to continue developing critical mass to strengthen our company’s ability to service the American and World  Markets”.

Bob McKinnon and Ray McKinnon who were instrumental in directing Keystone’s entry and establishment in the Home Fabrics field will join BT continuing with their Keystone duties as well as becoming engaged with some new responsibilities.  McKinnon stated “that this is a perfect move at the perfect time for all concerned.  With reshoring taking place and the Home Fabrics Markets on the upswing, BT and Keystone together can provide more and better products for their customers, “ he said.

He also said that Se7en and Keystone will remain in their current showrooms and will operate independently.  Ray McKinnon further added that Keystone and Se7en will maintain separate design staffs but she and Bob will interface with both.