As part of its ongoing efforts to target the interiors textiles market, Milliken & Company has signed a five-year lease at the High Point Showroom in High Point, North Carolina.
Build-out is expected to be complete by June for the new space, located on the fourth floor of the Market Square Textile Tower. The company will use the space to showcase the full breadth of its innovative interior textiles business, including products suitable for use in home, office and hospitality environments.
At next month’s market, Milliken will feature the introductory line of Breathe by Milliken environmentally friendly performance fabrics. Designed to address the growing demand for more sustainable products, Breathe is a plant-based, fluorine-free performance fabric available in natural or synthetic fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Breathe fabrics are also stain and water repellent.
Although launched just this year, Breathe has already earned placements with retailers such as Pottery Barn. Breathe by Milliken fabrics have also achieved Greenguard Gold certification, ensuring that they meet strict chemical emissions limits and enhancing the indoor air quality of living spaces.
Milliken said the High Point lease is the next step in its strategy to increase visibility and leadership in the interiors market. In recent months, Milliken, headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has combined several business units to create its integrated Specialty Interiors business.
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“The interiors textile market is a major area of focus for Milliken,” said Jennifer K. Harmon, vice president of Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Establishing a permanent presence at High Point is further evidence of our commitment not only to expanding our presence in this important market, but to driving innovation and educating key audiences about the unique capabilities and solutions Milliken can provide. We invite those who are interested in learning more to set up an appointment to get a sneak preview.”
Last month, Milliken hired textile industry veteran Dana Claire Larson as director of design and development for the Specialty Interiors business. In her new role at Milliken, Larson leads a team of designers, development engineers and technicians in all phases of the new product development process, including ideation, proof of concept and commercialization. She will collaborate closely with customers, sales and marketing teams and manufacturing partners to create and commercialize new innovative fabrics for the commercial interiors, hospitality, healthcare and residential markets.