A family-run Cumnock business that was set up under the stairs in the founder's home is now celebrating 35 years.
From its humble beginnings to being one of the best-known names in Ayrshire, Curtainwise was set up in 1988 by Mrs Mary McKenzie.
Initially working from under her stairs in her house in Barshare, Mary's soft furnishings journey progressed as her reputation grew, and with the support of her husband Wullie, Curtainwise was established.
They soon became so busy that a business premises had to be found, and as such the first move for Curtainwise was to Caponacre Industrial Estate.
There, Mary employed three of her friends to help manufacture quality soft-furnishings to the retail market.
Curtainwise found a home at Caponacre for 17 years, but a real highlight of the business's story for Mary was the move to their current premises at Glaisnock Glen in 2005.
This was a huge leap from a 1,000 square foot building to a plant of 6,000 square feet.
This has allowed the team to install innovative machinery and technology which ensures that a quality product is provided every single time.
Their most recent installation was a Conflex height measuring machine, which was developed with partners from Wybenga in Holland.
Expanding year after year, Mary’s two sons, William and Iain, joined the business, and the company is now one of Cumnock’s biggest employers, with more than 40 staff.
Looking ahead, this family-owned and family-run business have no sign of stopping as Mary’s granddaughter, Lauren joined the team in June this year – the third generation to work on the operation.
Mary said: “It certainly doesn’t feel like it has been 35 years in business. It is an extremely proud moment for everyone who has been involved over the years.
"We now supply our quality soft-furnishings throughout the entire UK and I am so thankful to all of our loyal staff for their constant enthusiasm and dedication for making this happen.
"To be the founder of such an established business has been a great privilege and I am looking forward to seeing how we continue to grow.”
The team says that providing a personalised bespoke service in the manufacturing of high-quality soft furnishings - including curtains, blinds, pelmets, cushions, wall coverings, and more - was the initial aim for the business and is still right at the heart of everything that they continue to do.
You can find more information on the Curtainwise website or visit their showroom at Glaisnock Glen, Cumnock.
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