Magherafelt-headquartered Bloc Blinds is continuing its relentless push into the US market by opening a new factory in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the economic and cultural hub of North Texas.
It’s the latest move in the south Derry firm’s strategy to grow its American operations on the back of demand for its innovative products
Bloc, a global innovator in the manufacturing of custom window shades, has formed a partnership with Rollease Acmeda, the largest engineered component and systems manufacturer and distributor in the window covering industry, following the agreement of a multi-year 100% supply contract.
And with both companies’ facilities adjacent to one another in Fort Worth, it is thought the partnership will provide production efficiencies and benefits to the window covering sector.
Cormac Diamond, founder of Bloc, said: “With the manufacturing industry facing labour shortages, spiralling energy costs, and supply chain challenges, our pioneering technologies are driving change, and utilising leading-edge robotics to streamline and automate the most complex, customised processes.
“Bloc and Rollease Acmeda have a long-standing trading relationship in Europe, so partnering with such a forward thinking company allows us to realise the full potential of our production innovations in the North American market.”
Derick Marsh, chief executive of Rollease Acmeda, added: “This strategic partnership with Bloc will improve supply chain responsiveness, reduce transportation costs and environmental impact, and enhance overall resilience.
“Driving operational effectiveness is a key focus for our company, and the partnership with Bloc aligns perfectly with our strategic direction. Greater efficiencies mean better support for our customers.”
“Rollease Acmeda is committed to driving innovation in the window covering industry, delivering superior quality products to our customers, and the partnership with Bloc creates significant benefits for the industry across North America.”
Bloc Blinds was founded in 2006 by engineering graduate Cormac Diamond, who started out making blinds with a handful of staff in his father-in-law’s shed.
After working in Poland for a number of years making construction equipment, an enquiry from an old employer led him to investigate window blinds.
But Bloc’s parent company Fourds Ltd has endured a tough last few years, and in the year to April 2022 its turnover plummeted from £102 million to less than £14 million and profits were down from £27,4m to just over £225,000.
Rollease Acmeda is the largest independent engineered component and systems manufacturer and distributor in the window covering industry.
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, it has a global team of almost 300 associates and distribution facilities spanning the US, Australia, and Europe, serving thousands of customers in more than 40 countries.
