Glen Raven Technical Fabrics

What Glen Raven Technical Fabrics does

Glen Raven Technical Fabrics is the automotive headliner and specialty industrial fabrics arm of Glen Raven, Inc., a family-owned global textile company founded in 1880 in Burlington, North Carolina. The company manufactures and markets performance textiles across five flagship brands — Sunbrella (the flagship performance fabric brand launched in 1961, built on proprietary Color to the Core solution-dyeing technology), Dickson (European solar-protection technical textiles, acquired 1998), GlenGuard (arc-rated/flame-resistant protective apparel fabrics using Wickzz moisture management and EcoRepelzz), Trivantage (one of the largest US wholesale fabric/hardware distributors serving 15,000+ customers with 9,000+ SKUs), and Glen Raven Logistics (asset-based trucking, warehousing, and third-party logistics). The company operates 8 manufacturing facilities across the US, France, and China, supports 27 operating locations across 16 countries, and serves customers in 126 countries.

Glen Raven's revenue model combines one-time license/sale of proprietary performance fabrics (Sunbrella, Dickson, GlenGuard) to OEMs, fabricators, and trade customers, transaction-based wholesale distribution through Trivantage, transaction-based transportation and warehousing services through Glen Raven Logistics, and an emerging direct-to-consumer channel via Sunbrella.com. Customer segments span interior furnishings, outdoor living, marine, shade/solar protection, protective/industrial workwear, automotive (Ford, Cadillac), and logistics. Pricing is primarily quote-based B2B wholesale, with a new subscription-style Trade Program for interior designers (launched April 2026) and a paid Trivantage Plus loyalty tier for trade partners. Distribution combines Trivantage's nine-plus US distribution centers, international joint ventures in Mexico and Canada, and a network of European and Asian sales offices.

Recent strategic activity centers on category extension and channel innovation: the $250M capital expansion program across US/France/China (2022), launch of Sunbrella Interiors at High Point (2025), the Sunbrella Trade Program (April 2026), Latitude by GlenGuard AR/FR expansion, and Trivantage Plus loyalty program. The 2025 Strata Global divestiture signals portfolio focus, while Hurricane Helene (September 2024) damaged the Burnsville NC plant. CEO Leib Oehmig leads the company; Allen E. Gant, Jr. serves as Chairman representing the founding family. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Glen Raven Technical Fabrics

Legal name

Glen Raven, Inc.

Website

https://glenraven.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1880

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Glen Raven Technical Fabrics is the automotive headliner and specialty industrial fabrics arm of Glen Raven, Inc., manufacturing proprietary performance textiles (Sunbrella, Dickson, GlenGuard) and distributing through Trivantage and Glen Raven Logistics across 126 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performance Textiles

NAICS

Textile Mills (313), Textile Product Mills (314)

SIC

Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Man Made Fiber & Silk (2221)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Fabric Mills (Performance/Protective/Medical Substrates) (IMAOABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Protective & Safety Textiles (FR/Arc/Heat/Cut/Chemical) (IMAOADAA)

Keywords

• Performance textiles
• Protective fabrics
• Marine fabrics
• Solar protection fabrics
• Industrial fabric manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Haven

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices36 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Performance Fabric Sales: Glen Raven generates primary revenue through manufacturing and selling performance fabrics under flagship brands Sunbrella, Dickson, and GlenGuard. Fabrics serve residential, commercial, and industrial applications including upholstery, shade structures, marine, protective apparel, and automotive.
2. Distribution and Wholesale Supply: Trivantage generates revenue as one of the nation's largest suppliers of fabric, hardware, and accessory products to a network of fabricators. With over 9,000 products and over 15,000 annual customers, Trivantage operates on wholesale pricing to trade customers.
3. Logistics and Transportation Services: Glen Raven Logistics (GRL) provides trucking, warehousing, third-party logistics, and supply chain solutions. Services include truckload, LTL, volume-LTL, time-definite shipping, flatbed, pool distribution, and rail transportation across US, Mexico, and Canada.
4. Specialty Marine and Industrial Products: Revenue from specialized products including Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl, Sur Last protective covers, Hydrofend water repellent fabrics, and industrial components distributed through Trivantage.
5. Consumer Products: Direct-to-consumer sales of Sunbrella-branded products including drapery, throws, cleaning solutions, bags, and fabric by the yard sold through Sunbrella.com.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Glen Raven manufactures and sells performance-based technical textiles, including solution-dyed indoor/outdoor upholstery fabrics, marine and protective covers, arc-rated flame-resistant (AR/FR) workwear fabrics, automotive headliner materials, and solar-protection shade fabrics, under brands such as Sunbrella, Dickson, and GlenGuard. The company also operates Trivantage, a wholesale distribution network supplying 9,000+ products to fabricators and trade customers, and Glen Raven Logistics, providing trucking, warehousing, and third-party logistics services.

Product overview

Glen Raven is a family-owned global textile company founded in 1880 with a portfolio of category-leading brands serving customers across 126 countries through performance fabrics, protective apparel, and distribution. The company operates three main groups: Material Solutions Group (Sunbrella, Dickson, GlenGuard), Consumer Solutions Group (Sunbrella consumer products), and Distribution and Logistics Group (Trivantage, Glen Raven Logistics). The core product ecosystem centers on Sunbrella performance fabrics as the flagship brand, complemented by Dickson for European solar protection, GlenGuard for arc-rated/flame-resistant protective apparel, and Trivantage as the nationwide distribution network. Glen Raven Logistics provides integrated logistics and warehousing services. Key product lines include marine fabrics (Sunbrella Horizon, Sur Last, Hydrofend, Aqualon Edge, HarborTime Edge), shade structures (SolaMesh, Sunworker), and the new Sunbrella Interiors line. The company also offers design tools like Awning Composer and technology platforms like Raven Rater for logistics management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sunbrella Flagship performance fabric brand offering long-lasting, cleanable fabrics for indoor and outdoor upholstery, shade structures, marine applications, and consumer products, featuring proprietary Color to the Core technology for color retention and durability.
• Dickson Technical textiles brand for solar protection including awnings, shade sails, pergolas, parasols, vertical screens, and woven flooring, known for exceptional woven craftsmanship.
• GlenGuard Arc-rated and flame-resistant (AR/FR) protective apparel fabrics for industrial applications, offering lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, inherently AR/FR fabrics with Wickzz moisture management technology.
• Trivantage One of the nation's largest wholesale distributors offering over 9,000 premium fabric, hardware, and accessory products serving upholstery shops, shade and marine fabricators, architects, workrooms, sign manufacturers, and digital printers.
• Glen Raven Logistics Full-service logistics solutions offering warehousing and distribution, third-party logistics, and asset-based trucking including truckload, LTL, volume-LTL, time-definite services, flatbed, pool distribution, and rail transportation across US, Mexico, and Canada.
• Sur Last 100% solution-dyed polyester fabrics designed for protective covers, flexible and easy to use with wide color customization and easy maintenance without requiring hot knife or serging.
• Sunbrella Interiors Interior performance fabrics bringing Sunbrella quality inside the home with softer yarns and textured constructions combining performance and luxury.
• Sunbrella Horizon Ultra-soft, long-lasting marine vinyl ideal for upholstery applications including captain's chairs, cushions, bench seating, and sunpads, designed to stand up to constant marine exposure.
• SolaMesh Innovative outdoor shade fabric using HDPE monofilament polymer technology, designed for medium-sized shade sails, custom awnings, and shade structures with UV stability.
• Sunworker Solar-protective fabric offering cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for commercial buildings, used for awnings and vertical indoor and outdoor blinds.
• Hydrofend Water repellent and durable marine fabric exclusive to Trivantage, designed for boat covers, enclosures, and protection of outdoor cushions and furniture.
• Aqualon Edge Marine fabric with Perfecta Marine heat gain reduction technology that keeps interiors drastically cooler than leading brands, providing coverage and protection from sun, salt, mold, mildew, and abrasion.
• HarborTime Edge Cutting-edge Trivantage marine fabric with Perfecta Marine surface treatment providing advanced heat reduction, heat reflection, and UV performance.
• Latitude by GlenGuard First product expansion from GlenGuard pairing legendary protection with the softest and highest arc-rated fabric, engineered for field use with lightweight 12 cal protection for demanding environments.
• Sunbrella Trade Program Trade program for interior designers offering exclusive trade pricing on fabric and finished goods, complimentary memo samples, preferred connections to brand partners, simplified large-order functionality, and personalized support with industry-leading warranty.
• Trivantage Plus Customer loyalty membership program for trade partners across furnishings, shade, and marine markets, delivering exclusive cost-saving advantages, business support, and educational resources with 90% member satisfaction and 83% retention.
• Sunbrella Consumer Products Direct-to-consumer Sunbrella-branded lifestyle products including drapery, sheers, indoor/outdoor throws, cleaning solutions, bags, and Sunbrella fabric sold by the yard through Sunbrella.com.

Quantifiable outcome

• 662,000+ pounds of fabric recycled through Sunbrella and Dickson fabric recycling programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered important, minor and core.

• External Sustainability ConsultantsimportantTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2025Glen Raven Europe worked with external consultants to develop carbon reporting that analyzes the entire life cycle of products from design origins to end of life, providing greater transparency about carbon footprint of each product.
• Helping Partners CharityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Glen Raven associates worldwide contributed donations to Helping Partners charity after Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The Burnsville facility served as a community resource hub distributing essential supplies to affected residents.
• Advanced Textiles AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2022Glen Raven sponsors and partners with Advanced Textiles Association to support the advancement of women in leadership roles within the textile industry. Partnership includes sponsorship of Women in Leadership programs and skill development sessions.
• HaartzcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 7 July 2022Sunbrella works in partnership with Haartz, the leading fabricator of materials for convertible tops, providing woven acrylic fabrics with classic good looks, durability, and fade resistance. This partnership enables Sunbrella automotive fabrics to be used in vehicle production including Ford Bronco soft tops.
• Industrial Recycling PartnersimportantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2022For over 50 years, Glen Raven has recycled manufacturing waste and delivered it to partners who convert materials into industrial products such as felt, automotive insulation, and filtration. Recycling programs have collected more than 662,000 pounds of fabric.
• Sunbury TextilesimportantStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Glen Raven acquired Sunbury Textiles in 2017, a long-term partner since 1994 with strong expertise in decorative jacquard upholstery fabrics. This acquisition allowed Glen Raven to further develop relationships and products for designers and high-end furniture manufacturers.
• Astrup Company and John Boyle & CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Glen Raven created the Trivantage brand in 2007 through the acquisition and subsequent merger of The Astrup Company and John Boyle & Company, establishing North American distribution capabilities.
• Shawmut CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Glen Raven partnered with Fairystone Fabrics and Shawmut Corporation for automotive headliner materials, leading to first automotive placement with Cadillac XLR in 2001. In 2018, Glen Raven and Shawmut merged automotive headliner, specialty industrial fabrics, and water filtration system businesses into Shawmut, with Glen Raven retaining minority ownership.
• Dickson-ConstantcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Glen Raven expanded into Europe in 1998 with the acquisition of Dickson-Constant, a leader in performance fabrics in the European market. This deal also included Dickson Elberton Mills in Georgia. Dickson-Constant operates as the European arm of Glen Raven's business.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Shawmut Corporation: Shawmut is a direct peer in automotive headliner and specialty industrial fabrics, and is also a Glen Raven joint venture partner (Glen Raven holds minority ownership since 2018). Strongly comparable in headliner, technical, and water filtration fabric production.
• Haartz Corporation: Haartz is the leading fabricator of materials for automotive convertible tops and a Glen Raven partner supplying woven acrylic Sunbrella fabrics. Directly comparable in automotive performance textiles and OEM fabric supply.
• Serge Ferrari Group: French manufacturer of flexible composite materials and technical textiles for solar protection, architecture, marine, and industry. Direct competitor to Glen Raven's Dickson brand in European solar protection technical textiles.
• Phifer Incorporated: US manufacturer of insect screening, solar shade fabrics, and performance textiles for indoor/outdoor applications. Comparable product overlap with Glen Raven's Sunbrella and Dickson shade/solar protection lines.
• Sattler Group: Austrian manufacturer of technical textiles including awning, marine, sun protection, and outdoor fabrics under the Sattler and SIOEN brands. Direct peer in European performance and solar protection technical textiles.
• Spradling International: US-based manufacturer of coated fabrics and vinyl for marine, automotive, hospitality, and outdoor applications. Direct competitor in marine vinyl (vs. Sunbrella Horizon) and performance upholstery.
• Herculite Products Inc. US manufacturer of technical laminated and coated fabrics for industrial, military, marine, and awning applications. Comparable in specialty coated technical textiles serving marine, protective, and industrial end-markets.
• Culp Inc. US manufacturer of mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics for furniture, bedding, and technical applications. Comparable in performance upholstery and home furnishings textiles, overlapping with Sunbrella Interiors.
• Recasens USA: Spanish manufacturer of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics for marine, awning, and outdoor applications. Direct peer in performance solution-dyed fabrics competing with Sunbrella and Dickson in the marine and awning segments.

Emerging players

• Twitchell Corporation: US manufacturer of woven and coated technical textiles for indoor/outdoor, screening, and industrial uses. Comparable in performance fabrics for solar protection and outdoor applications though smaller scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/glen-raven
• Xx.com/glenraven
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlenRaven

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Glen Raven Technical Fabrics