Parasol Awnings Purchases 90-Year-Old Williams Shade & Awning Co.

Memphis, TN — After 90 years in business, Williams Shade & Awning Company was recently sold to Parasol Awnings, LLC. Parasol saw a rare opportunity to obtain experienced employees and a level of name-recognition unparalleled in the awning and window treatment Mid-South market. According to Parasol’s president, Michael Folk, "the combination of Williams Shade & Awning’s 90-year experience and Parasol Awnings’ state-of-the-art technology will result in higher quality, increased production capabilities, better delivery time, and superior service for its customers."

Williams Shade Company was founded in 1910 by Russell Williams as a manufacturer of window shades. In the 1950’s, Mr. Williams’ son-in-law, Aubrey Gray, took over the business. The company added awnings to its product line to become Williams Shade & Awning Company. Williams Shade Co. manufactured shades and awnings. Williams’ grandson, Allen Gray, became the company’s third owner. By the 1980’s, the company also manufactured mini blinds and shipped them nationwide. Today, the company is one of the few local manufacturers of mini blinds.

Williams Shade & Awning will operate as a division of Parasol Awnings, offering a complete range of window treatments, including mini blinds, vertical blinds, wood blinds, poly blinds, plantation shutters, and shades. Williams manufactures its own brand of mini blinds, "Bellair", and offers retail and wholesale pricing.

Parasol Awnings will remain the awning division, manufacturing and installing commercial and residential awnings and backlit signs. The entire operation is now located at 4834 Hickory Hill Rd. Expansion plans include a larger, more extensive showroom, additional offices, and production area improvements to be completed by Spring 2000.

Parasol Awnings is a Memphis-based company that designs, manufactures and installs awnings, canopies, and screen products for the commercial and residential communities in the Mid South area. Clients include the Memphis Pyramid, Jitney Premier, Embassy Suites, Davis Kidd, Piggly Wiggly, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis City Schools, Marriott, Promus, Perkins Restaurant, Folk’s Folly Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Huey’s, Blue Plate Cafe, BirthPlace at TheMED, and many others.

Parasol Awnings won the IFAI International Award for the Memphis Pyramid 8,090-square-feet canopy project. The Pyramid canopy project was selected for its special design, construction, and difficulty of installation. Parasol Awnings was chosen for the award out of 323 entries and 115 companies from 13 countries. The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a nonprofit trade association whose member companies represent all aspects of the international industrial and technical fabrics and textiles marketplace. Members’ products include fibers, fabrics, textiles, end products, equipment and hardware. Member companies manufacture and supply products for the diverse range of industrial/technical fabric market segments, including architectural structures, awnings, automotive, banners and flags, casual furniture, geosynthetics, marine, medical, narrow fabrics, recreation, rental tents, safety and protection, tarps and truck covers, and transportation.