Corporate History

Introduction

Spradling International has been supplying vinyl-coated fabrics via Spradling’s alliance with Proquinal S.A. for more than 50 years.  Spradling has grown significantly now operating five distribution facilities in the United States and coordinating with sister companies and warehouse locations in Germany, Spain, Venezuela, and Mexico.

1970s

In 1973, Spradling formed an association with Proquinal S.A., a vinyl coating facility in Bogotá, Colombia.  Since then, Proquinal has mirrored this same growth creating the need to expand their operations.  The result? . . . construction of a new state-of-the-art vinyl production facility in Costa Rica.  The combination of Spradling's intensive market research, Proquinal's unique formulation methods and cutting-edge coating technology ensure that ever-changing market trends are always recognized.

1990s

In the mid 1990s, Spradling addressed a growing concern in the vinyl industry. Customers expect vinyl coated fabrics to withstand almost any environment, and restrict the growth of surface bacteria while still providing exceptional service life.  The development and introduction of PERMABLOK3® in 1992 did just that.  The PERMABLOK3 finishing system dramatically improves abrasion performance and provides unsurpassed antifungal protection by retarding the growth of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, filamentous fungi, and yeast.  The finish also resists most stains and allows the vinyl surface to be easily cleaned with a solution of mild soap and water.

Similarly, Spradling recognized a need for vinyl with a softer hand and an improved textile backing.  Enter Hi-Loft2™!  Since its first use in 1995, Hi-Loft2 has achieved wild success as the most versatile textile backing in the industry.

Rapid growth demanded larger facilities, forcing the company to relocate twice, resulting in the construction of a new sleek and contemporary warehouse and corporate office in 1993 in the adjacent city of Pelham, Alabama.

In 1997, Spradling’s first European facility (offices & warehouse) was established in Neckarsulm near Stuttgart/Germany (SPRADLING INTERNATIONAL GmbH). This was the foundation for the distribution network throughout Europe.

2000s

As a result of the growing activities and demand for our products in Europe, and in order to improve logistical effectiveness, a second distribution facility (Euro Spradling S.L.) was opened in Caldes de Montbui near Barcelona / Spain in 2004.

Spradling premiered PERMAGUARD® in Europe for the marine industry in 2008.  This proprietary stain-resistant barrier coating makes maintenance easy, with most difficult stains effortlessly cleaned with a dry tissue, or eliminated with a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. Not only do stains disappear in seconds, but PERMAGUARD provides unequaled resistance to scratches, scuffs, and abrasion.  No other marine vinyl surpasses PERMAGUARD’s stain resistance and long-term, trouble-free performance.

Also in 2008, SILVERGUARD® Silver Ion Technology was introduced.  SILVERGUARD is a natural environmentally friendly, bacteria-fighting defense that also inhibits odor and stain-causing bacteria.  Plus, SILVERGUARD technology is EPA- registered and FDA- approved.  Spradling vinyl treated with SILVERGUARD and become the ideal choice for healthcare, hospitality, food service, corporate, and residential interiors.

In 2009, Spradling acquired Marine Specialties Group (MSG)/Global Products Solutions, a division of G&T Industries (United States).  Spradling and MSG had enjoyed a partnership for more than 25 years, with MSG providing marketing and distribution to the marine and recreational vehicle (RV) industries.  This new division, marketed as Spradling International Marine (SIM), has created the strongest strategic alliance in the vinyl coated fabric industry, with nearly 150 years of combined experience serving the needs of marine and RV customers.

Today and the future

The company’s founder, C.G. Spradling, was a man with one mission, to create an organization that would become America's leading source for vinyl-coated fabrics. Years later, Spradling International, Inc. continues his vision, offering quality vinyl products for nearly every application, ranging from standard upholstery vinyl, to high-end leather alternatives fit for even the most competitive seating requirements. Today, Spradling International has achieved the mission outlined so long ago and is recognized as the leader in selection, design, quality, and customer service.