VREDE Textiles was one of the first factories to be built in Atlantis Industria, Cape Town, South Africa. Today,30 years later, this family-run business has a staff compliment of 120, producing millions of strip metres for vertical as well as roller blind fabric annually and can boast an approximate 65% share of the South African market.Initially, only a spinning mill existed and we manufactured orange pockets. However, our niche market was established when Barry Lipschitz, our company CEO, redesigned the unique spinning machine and began producing the yarn which we manufacture today.Components for these machines are manufactured by local engineering companies and assembled in Atlantis. This technology produces yarn of a superior quality.Eight years ago, Vrede Textiles established a state-of-the-art weaving mill and finishing plant so that the company is now responsible for the complete process - manufacturing from raw fibers to rolls of fabric.The vertical and roller blind fabric has a unique handle and finish. Essentially, the major difference between our blind fabric and that produced by other companies is that, instead of having plastic-coated fabric, the plastic is inside Vrede's fabric and is therefore soft to the touch.The market for vertical and roller blinds has been increasing steadily over the past years. The company originally supplied fabric almost exclusively for use in offices, and includes flame retardant blinds as part of its range. Now we equally supply the domestic markets.Our team at Vrede Textiles regularly visit international trade shows and exhibitions to keep up with international trends. We have also exhibited fabric at a number of international trade shows.Our company has grown quite rapidly over the years as an exporter of our fabrics and is an established supplier to the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.Vrede Textiles is one example of a South African textile company which has managed to capture and establish a niche market and therefore ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.