FRANKFURT, Germany — “Heimtextil 2012 produced  the best opening day in Rockland Mills Inc. history according to Stan Fradin, president of the world’s leading drapery lining manufacturer and exporter.

Rockland took an aggressive posture at Heimtextil with the introduction of two new programs; one is ‘Mardigras,’ a 76 color range of 54 inch 100 percent FR blackout linings in Roc-suede also available in non FR with foam-back as well as a non blackout version. “This has a soft, buttery hand and is great for blackout or for drapery without blackout. We’re also testing it for upholstery,” he said. 

“Mardigras sells for a fraction of the cost of real suede,” he said.

‘Dublin’ is the other product which features a printed linen face in poly flax basecloth.

Fradin and his team were psyched about the great launch of 2012 at Heimtextil and with Roc-Lon’s increased momentum in the marketplace.

“We are the only U.S. manufacturer of drapery linings left in the marketplace,” he said, fresh on the heels of the closing of the only other producer of linings in America. That producer will import linings from China, Fradin said. “Customers can do their own importing from China. What the customer now wants is a reliable domestic source in America lkike Rockland Mills, just like our export customers prefer,” said the veteran lining specialist.  

In addition to the strong opening day at Heimtextil, Fradin said it carried through the entire exhibition this year. “We picked up business from everywhere,” he added.  F&FIDarren Fradin, export manager, Rockland Mills, Baltimore, MD (USA) with super linings wholesaler Philippe Debie, principal of Indetex, Kortrijk-Marke, Belgium and Henner Haufe, European agent for Rockland Mills.