CT Nassau operated as part of CT Continental until 2017, when Stellini Textile Group of Milan acquired a majority ownership stake. Under Stellini’s ownership, CT Nassau benefits from being part of a diverse, design-savvy company with an expanding global footprint.

Along with its sites in Italy and the United States, the company has manufacturing facilities in Argentina, India, Russia and Thailand, and offices in Spain and Switzerland. The plants in Italy and Thailand provide panel fabrics to the U.S. market to complement North Carolina production in specific style and price niches.

“All of our plants are set up with the same types of equipment and systems so we can manufacture any product the same way anywhere in the world,” says Valentino Stellini, president and chief executive officer of CT Nassau and Stellini Textile Group.

“We also use similar yarns, which enables us to control the quality and colors for each component of the bed with complete precision.”

Stellini’s facilities produce the majority of their own yarns. “And we even make our own machines that we use to make the yarns,” Valentino Stellini says. “As a result, whether our fabric is made in the U.S., Italy or Thailand, everything matches.”

The company’s ability to produce its own yarns also quickens speed to market, Valentino Stellini says, reducing lead times for just-in-time production. “With our network of plants in North and South America, Europe and Asia, we can support our global customers with the fabrics they require wherever and whenever they need them,” he says.

Building on a strong base

Prior to opening its first North American ticking facility in Burlington in 1999, all of the ticking sold by CT Nassau was produced by the company’s associates in Europe. Since that time, CT Nassau has evolved into a full-line provider of woven and knit mattress fabrics, borders, tapes, handles and sewn panels. One of its recent top sellers is Fascia, a collection of engineered borders introduced at ISPA EXPO 2018 that look like intricate hand-sewn borders but come off the machine in a single piece.

“We are always looking for the latest technologies and materials that can improve sleep,” Valentino Stellini says. “Every bed producer wants a strong story to tell to attract business and spark sales. With our line, we try to focus on what’s proven and working rather than chasing every single fad that comes along.”

CT Nassau also offers a wide assortment of performance finishes and constructions designed to optimize sleep.

Coordinated package

This year, CT Nassau is taking another major step forward in its quest to become a go-to source for coordinated fabric packages. The company plans to introduce a new collection of decorative pillows, duvets, throws and area rugs that extends its presence in the bedroom. The addition adds another important element to CT Nassau’s product assortment, enabling producers and retailers to create a sophisticated design — and branding — statement with their displays.

“We are addressing the bedroom environment, not just the mattress,” Valentino Stellini says. “We’re leveraging all our skills in fabric production and printing, as well as cut-and-sew (operations), to provide our customers with a coordinated look in which the mattress, top-of-bed and other accents all act in harmony.”

According to Valentino Stellini, the company’s move into the cut-and-sew arena in 2018 was a natural progression of the company’s growing identity as a full-service fabric source. “Ideal Quilting has more than 20 years of industry experience with cut-and-sew products,” he says. “This investment, together with our strategic partnership with CCS, enables us to provide our customers with the quality sewn covers they need to keep up with the fast-growing demand for boxed mattresses.”

The surge in boxed bed sales has forced suppliers such as CT Nassau to take a more holistic view of bed design, Valentino Stellini says. “Rather than providing customers with just tapes or ribbons, we’re now working with them to create total bed statements that include panels, borders and every other fabric component they need to bring that bed to market,” he says. “It’s more of a composite, rather than an item, approach.”

“Boxed beds are becoming more decorative as producers and retailers seek to differentiate themselves from their competitors,” he says. “They want colors that will catch the eye in their TV and print ads and in their online merchandising. The design aspect of these beds is becoming more of a distinguishing feature.”