Draper, Inc. is delighted to announce the acquisition of Guthrie Douglas
Established in 1981 in Warwickshire, UK, Guthrie Douglas is a family business and a team of specialist engineers focused on creating specialty shading systems for extraordinary spaces. The Guthrie Douglas product range is known globally as the market-leading, reliable solution for shading technically challenging windows and is frequently specified on some of the world’s most prominent buildings.
Established in 1902, Draper is a fifth-generation family-owned business and a leading manufacturer of shading solutions, LED video wall mounting systems, projection screens and projector lifts, and sports hall equipment—all made at its headquarters and production facility in Spiceland, Indiana, USA. Draper is led by Chris Broome, President, and employs over 750 people. Learn more: www.draperinc.com
As well as acquiring a majority stake in Guthrie Douglas, Draper is investing in an exciting growth plan for the company, with significant investments to be made across the business—from sales and specification to product development and customer service. Draper will also offer Guthrie Douglas products to the US market.
Guthrie Douglas will continue to be managed as an independent business, with Andrew Kitching remaining as Managing Director, and the current management team remaining in place on a permanent basis. Chris Broome and Jerry Crone (CFO) will join the board.
Andrew Kitching, Managing Director of Guthrie Douglas, said,
“In today’s world it is increasingly difficult to find like-minded businesses with similar values, and we are fortunate to have found a partner who shares our excitement and belief in the growth potential of our company. I have no doubt that with the team we have in place here, and with the backing of Draper, Guthrie Douglas will scale up significantly in the coming years.”
Chris Broome, President of Draper, said,
“We’re excited to welcome Guthrie Douglas to the Draper family. Their team has built a reputation for solving tough shading challenges, and their specialty systems are a perfect fit for the kinds of projects our customers are tackling. This partnership gives us the opportunity to bring their solutions to the US market while supporting their continued growth globally. We’re looking forward to what we can accomplish together.”
FAQs
Established in 1981 in Warwickshire, UK, Guthrie Douglas is a family business and a team of specialist engineers focused on creating specialty shading systems for extraordinary spaces. The Guthrie Douglas product range is known globally as the market leading, most reliable solution for shading technically challenging windows and is frequently specified on some of the world’s most prominent buildings.
Established in 1902, Draper is a fifth-generation family-owned business and a leading manufacturer of shading solutions, LED video wall mounting systems, projection screens and projector lifts, and sports hall equipment – all made at its headquarters and production facility in Spiceland, Indiana, USA. Draper is led by Chris Broome, President, and employs over 750 people.
Learn more: www.draperinc.com
Draper and Guthrie Douglas share similar values, with innovation, quality and a solid, straightforward approach lying at the core of both businesses. We also share an excitement about the future of solar shading and a belief that technical, specialty solutions will become increasingly important for inspirational, sustainable architecture. Guthrie Douglas becoming part of the Draper Group will mean an enhanced product offering to customers and partners of both companies.
Draper is investing in an exciting growth plan for Guthrie Douglas, with significant investments to be made across the business from sales and specification to product development and customer service. Together, we aim to transform the solar shading industry and play a key role in the sustainable buildings of the future.
Guthrie Douglas will continue as it is today, run as an independent business. Andrew Kitching remains as Managing Director, and the existing management team remains in place on a permanent basis. Chris Broome and other members of the Draper board will work with the Guthrie Douglas team to agree strategic priorities and deliver the ambitious scale-up plans we have for the company.
Yes. The long-term plan is to produce a range of Draper products at Guthrie Douglas for the UK and other international markets. For now, Draper products will be made to measure in the US and exported to the UK via Guthrie Douglas. Please contact sales@guthriedouglas.com if you would be interested in a presentation of the Draper product range.
Yes. The long-term plan is to manufacture the TESSTM range of products in the USA, with further products to be added over time. For now, Guthrie Douglas products will be made to measure in the UK and exported via Draper for the US market. Please contact guthriedouglas@draperinc.com if you are interested in a presentation of the TESSTM product range.
We do not anticipate any short term changes to existing fabrication or distribution arrangements with our partners. Over time, we will be working with our partners to maximize efficiency of distribution and competitiveness in the market.
A number of exciting new product developments are in progress at Guthrie Douglas and across the Draper group. Please follow our LinkedIn channels to stay up to date with the latest developments.
In the UK, contact sales@guthriedouglas.com
In the US, contact guthriedouglas@draperinc.com