Iweiss
IWEISS is a US specialty manufacturer and fabricator providing custom theatrical drapery, rigging hardware, and stage automation products, plus related services, to theaters, museums, schools, theme parks, and cultural institutions nationwide and internationally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1900
- HeadquartersFairview, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Iweiss does
IWEISS is a US-based specialty manufacturer and fabricator serving the entertainment and construction industries with theatrical drapery, rigging hardware, and stage automation. The company operates four interconnected product categories: custom-fabricated drapery (stage curtains, masking, cycloramas, fiber optic and Kabuki systems, and digitally printed scenic backdrops); rigging systems and curtain track hardware including proprietary Align Rigging-branded equipment and the IWC, IWLC, IWI, and IWIHD track families; proprietary Via Automation products for curtain machines, stage hoists, platform lifts, and control stations; and theatrical supplies such as raw fabric, pipe and drape, projection screens, and safety accessories. It also provides professional services including flameproofing, rigging inspections, and custom artifact rigging for museums.
IWEISS generates revenue primarily through project-based, one-time sales of custom-fabricated and catalog products, supplemented by professional services such as flameproofing and rigging inspections. Pricing is quote-based for custom work (typically requiring a 50% deposit), with a $50 minimum order, Net 30 credit terms for approved accounts, F.O.B. shipping, and quantity discounts. Go-to-market is sales-led: a direct sales team handles enterprise projects from concept through installation, while shopiweiss.com serves SMB and individual buyers of standardized supplies. Three physical offices (Fairview, NJ headquarters; Missouri; Illinois) support national coverage with international shipping capability.
The customer base is horizontally segmented across theaters and performing arts centers, museums and cultural institutions, schools, theme parks, houses of worship, film and television, hospitality, and special events. Named enterprise customers include Carolina Theatre, Stafford Shakespeare Festival, City Springs Theatre, the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis, Hickory Aviation Museum, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, indicating meaningful penetration of both performing arts and museum verticals. With 11-50 employees, over 120 years of operating history, no disclosed outside investors, and a privately held ownership structure, IWEISS is a stable, founder/management-controlled specialty industrial business rather than a venture-backed growth company.
Iweiss firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Iweiss
- Legal name
- IWEISS
- Website
- https://iweiss.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1900
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- IWEISS is a US specialty manufacturer and fabricator providing custom theatrical drapery, rigging hardware, and stage automation products, plus related services, to theaters, museums, schools, theme parks, and cultural institutions nationwide and internationally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Iweiss industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Theatrical Equipment Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Curtain and Linen Mills (314120), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (33331)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures (2590)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Curtains & Drapery Panels Retail (Textile Window Coverings) (CRAIALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Upholstery & Drapery Fabric Retail (CRALADAI)
Keywords
Where Iweiss is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fairview
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Iweiss business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom Drapery Fabrication and Installation: Bespoke theatrical drapery including stage curtains, proscenium curtains, masking curtains, drops/cycloramas, digital printing on fabrics, fiber optic curtains, and specialty drapery products. Projects range from custom decorative drapery packages to historic restoration work.
- Rigging Equipment and Hardware: Manufacturing and sale of rigging equipment including stage rigging, pipe grids, curtain track hardware (IWC, IWLC, IWI, IWIHD), fire curtains, wire tension grids, and truss systems.
- Automation Products: Manufacturing and sale of automation equipment including curtain machines, control stations, stage hoists, stage and orchestra platform lifts, and acoustic banners.
- Theatrical Supplies: Sale of theatrical supplies including raw fabric, pipe and drape systems, hampers and storage, sandbags, and projection screens.
- Services: Professional services including flameproofing and surveys, rigging inspections and surveys.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Products - available for immediate purchase |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Custom Fabrication - bespoke theatrical solutions |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Iweiss product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IWEISS manufactures and installs custom theatrical drapery (stage curtains, proscenium curtains, masking, cycloramas, digital printed backdrops, fiber optic curtains), proprietary rigging hardware under the Align Rigging brand (curtain tracks IWC/IWLC/IWI/IWIHD, pipe grids, fire curtains, wire tension grids, truss), and automation equipment under the Via Automation brand (curtain machines, control stations, stage hoists, orchestra platform lifts, acoustic banners). The company also sells theatrical supplies (fabric, pipe & drape, sandbags, projection screens) and provides professional services including flameproofing and rigging inspections.
Product overview
Iweiss is a theatrical solutions provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of drapery, rigging, and automation products and services for the entertainment and construction industries. The core offering consists of four interconnected product categories: (1) Drapery — custom-fabricated stage curtains, digital printing, fiber optic curtains, and specialized systems like Kabuki curtains; (2) Rigging — proprietary Align Rigging branded systems including curtain track hardware (IWC, IWLC, IWI, IWIHD), fire curtains, pipe grids, wire tension grids, and truss; (3) Theatrical Supplies — fabrics, pipe & drape, storage, and safety equipment; and (4) Automation — proprietary Via Automation branded products including curtain machines, control stations, stage hoists, and platform lifts. The company also offers special project services for artifact rigging and custom solutions. With over 120 years of experience, Iweiss provides both standard catalog products and custom fabrication capabilities serving performing arts centers, schools, museums, theme parks, and hospitality venues across the US and internationally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Align Rigging: Proprietary rigging products manufactured by IWEISS
- Via
Products and services
- Stage Curtains Custom-fabricated theatrical stage curtains including main curtains, proscenium curtains, masking curtains, drops/cycloramas, and decorative valances for theatrical venues and performance spaces.
- Digital Printing Custom digital printing on theatrical fabrics for backdrops, printed house curtains, and TV & film scenic elements across multiple materials.
- Fiber Optic Curtains Illuminated fiber optic drapery systems for theatrical and architectural lighting applications, including illuminators and accessories.
- Motorized Arena Masking Automated arena masking systems for large-scale entertainment venues requiring adjustable drapery configurations.
- Kabuki Curtain System Specialized theatrical reveal curtain system for rapid scene changes and dramatic stage effects.
- Fringe Curtains Decorative fringe curtain products for architectural and theatrical applications.
- Stage Rigging Complete stage rigging systems including dead hung rigging and manual counterweight rigging systems, incorporating the proprietary Align Rigging product line.
- Pipe Grids Structural pipe grid systems for overhead rigging and equipment support in theatrical venues.
- Curtain Track Hardware Proprietary curtain track systems including IWC (Channel Track), IWLC (Light Channel Track), IWI (I-Beam Track), and IWIHD (Heavy Duty I-Beam Track) under the Align Rigging brand.
- Fire Curtains Fire-rated fire curtain systems for venue safety and code compliance.
- Wire Tension Grid Wire-based tension grids for overhead support in theatrical and architectural applications.
- Truss Structural truss systems for theatrical rigging and equipment support.
- Fabric Raw theatrical fabrics available for sale, including remnants, for custom drapery and soft goods fabrication.
- Pipe & Drape Portable pipe and drape systems for event spaces, trade shows, and temporary installations.
- Hampers & Storage Theatrical storage and hamper products for managing stage drapery and soft goods.
- Sandbags Theatrical sandbags for stage rigging counterweights and safety applications.
- Projection Screens Projection screen products for theatrical and event applications.
- Acoustic Banners Acoustic treatment banners for managing sound in theatrical and performance venues, part of the Via Automation product line.
- Control Stations Automation control stations for managing theatrical rigging and curtain systems, part of the Via Automation product line.
- Curtain Machines Automated curtain machine systems for motorized stage curtain operation, including the Via Traveler under the Via Automation proprietary brand.
- Stage Hoists Stage winch and hoist systems for lifting theatrical equipment and scenery, part of the Via Automation product line.
- Stage & Orchestra Platform Lifts Hydraulic and mechanical lifts for orchestra pits and stage platforms in theatrical venues, part of the Via Automation product line.
- Artifact Rigging Custom rigging solutions for museum artifacts and special installations requiring precision handling, including aircraft rigging for the Hickory Aviation Museum.
- Flameproofing Services Professional fire retardancy treatment, flameproofing, and survey services for theatrical fabrics and drapery.
- Rigging Inspections & Surveys Professional inspection and survey services for theatrical rigging systems.
Companies that use Iweiss
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Iweiss technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Iweiss partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered industry, design partner, vendor and nonprofit.
- ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program)industryAffiliated trade organization for entertainment technician certification standards.
- USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology)industryAffiliated trade organization for theatre technology professionals.
- Stage DirectionsindustryAffiliated trade publication for theatrical industry.
- PLASAindustryAffiliated trade organization for technical entertainment arts.
- Lighting & Sound AmericaindustryAffiliated trade publication for lighting and sound industry.
- Scenic GuildindustryAffiliated trade organization for scenic professionals.
- LHAT (Live Heritage Association)industryAffiliated organization for live heritage preservation.
- Mid-Atlantic Museum AssociationindustryAffiliated regional museum association.
- American Alliance of MuseumsindustryAffiliated national museum association.
- Arupdesign partnerEngineering and design consultancy providing design services for theatrical projects.
- Charcoal Bluedesign partnerTheatre planning and design consultancy.
- Auerbach Consultantsdesign partnerTheatre and entertainment consulting firm.
- Theatre Consultants Collaborativedesign partnerTheatre design and consulting services.
- Sachs Morgan Studiodesign partnerTheatre and entertainment design studio.
- FDA Onlinedesign partnerTheatre and entertainment design services.
- Schuler HookvendorTheatrical hardware and equipment manufacturer.
- Theatre Projectsdesign partnerTheatre planning and design consultancy.
- WRL Designdesign partnerTheatre and entertainment design firm.
- Paragon360design partnerEntertainment design and integration firm.
- Behind the Scenes CharitynonprofitNonprofit organization providing assistance to entertainment technology professionals.
- Broadway CaresnonprofitNonprofit organization supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS.
- 52 ProjectnonprofitNonprofit organization.
- Actors FundnonprofitNational human services organization for entertainment industry professionals.
- Friends of KarennonprofitNonprofit organization supporting families and children.
- Joyce TheaternonprofitDance presentation venue and nonprofit organization.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Iweiss competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rose Brand: Rose Brand is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of theatrical fabrics, stage curtains, and digital printed scenic elements — directly comparable to IWEISS's drapery fabrication and digital printing product lines.
- Wenger Corporation: Wenger manufactures theatrical rigging, acoustics, and stage equipment (including the legacy JR Clancy rigging line), making it a direct peer to IWEISS's Align Rigging products for performance venues.
- Hoffend Metal Products: Hoffend manufactures stage and orchestra shell lifts, rigging, and theatre machinery — overlapping directly with IWEISS's automation and rigging offerings such as hoists and platform lifts.
- Thern Stage Equipment: Thern designs and manufactures theatrical rigging equipment, winches, and hoists, competing head-to-head with IWEISS in rigging hardware and stage machinery.
- GALA Systems: GALA Systems specializes in stage machinery, automation, and motion control systems for performance venues — a direct comparability match for IWEISS's Via Automation curtain machines, hoists, and control stations.
- SECOA: SECOA designs and manufactures stage rigging and automation systems including winches, hoists, and control systems — overlapping with IWEISS's automation and rigging product categories.
- Sapsis Rigging: Sapsis Rigging provides theatrical rigging inspection, consultation, and training services, overlapping with IWEISS's rigging inspection and survey service offering.
Broad incumbents
- Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC): ETC is a broad incumbent in theatrical control systems, lighting, and stage machinery, with adjacent overlap to IWEISS's automation and control station product lines as part of a larger product portfolio.
- Barbizon Lighting Company: Barbizon distributes theatrical supplies, drapery, lighting, and studio equipment — a broader entertainment-supplies incumbent that overlaps with IWEISS's theatrical supplies and fabric offerings.
Others
- Schuler Shook: Schuler Shook is a theatre planning and lighting design consultancy that IWEISS partners with on projects, making it an adjacent enabling firm rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Iweiss social profiles
Digital presenceIweiss financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Iweiss leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Iweiss funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Iweiss M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Iweiss
What does Iweiss do?
IWEISS manufactures and installs custom theatrical drapery (stage curtains, proscenium curtains, masking, cycloramas, digital printed backdrops, fiber optic curtains), proprietary rigging hardware under the Align Rigging brand (curtain tracks IWC/IWLC/IWI/IWIHD, pipe grids, fire curtains, wire tension grids, truss), and automation equipment under the Via Automation brand (curtain machines, control stations, stage hoists, orchestra platform lifts, acoustic banners). The company also sells theatrical supplies (fabric, pipe & drape, sandbags, projection screens) and provides professional services including flameproofing and rigging inspections.
Is Iweiss a public or private company?
Iweiss is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Iweiss founded?
Iweiss was founded in 1900. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Iweiss based?
Iweiss is headquartered in Fairview, United States, in the North America region.
How does Iweiss make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Custom Drapery Fabrication and Installation is the primary driver. The others are rigging Equipment and Hardware, automation Products, theatrical Supplies and services.
Who are Iweiss's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rose Brand, Wenger Corporation, Hoffend Metal Products, Thern Stage Equipment, GALA Systems, SECOA and Sapsis Rigging. Broad incumbents are Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) and Barbizon Lighting Company. Schuler Shook is listed as an others.
Does Iweiss have an API?
No public API is recorded for Iweiss.
What industry is Iweiss in?
Iweiss's product category is Theatrical Equipment Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIALAD, Curtains & Drapery Panels Retail (Textile Window Coverings), with a secondary code of CRALADAI, Upholstery & Drapery Fabric Retail. Its NAICS code is 314120 and its SIC code is 2590.