| The groups
history dates back to 1955 when the group's
present chairman, Charles Graham, founded
the business known as Homecraft which
commenced business as a gift shop. In 1961,
Homecraft expanded and a division was
established for the importation and
distribution of various lines of wallpaper.
Since the wallpaper division proved
extremely successful, a decision was taken
to focus attention on this as its core
business and to close the gift shop. In 1964
Decor Wallpaper Co. (Proprietary) Limited
and referred to hereinafter as the wallpaper
company was incorporated. In addition to the
retailing of imported wallpaper, set up a
contracts division. The division
concentrates on contracts for corporate
clients. Although it continues to import,
Decor is also a manufacturer of local
wallcoverings.
Conscious of the fluid nature of the
decorating industry, the wallpaper company
has, since its inception, displayed
innovative flair in adaptive flair in
adapting to and catering for changing needs.
A stalwart commitment to local research and
development culminated in 1968 in
collaboration with AECI in pioneering the
local manufacture of paper backed vinyl.
This coincided with the introduction of dry
wall partitions which has had a profound
impact on the time factor in the erection of
internal walling. This resulted in a general
acceptance of vinyl wallcovering as a viable
alternative to paint.
The years that followed saw the
introduction of various new products,
including textile wallcoverings, grasscloth,
suede's and many more. These innovations
have made a significant impact on the
development of the wallcovering industry and
the fortunes of Decor.
Decor continued to flourish and further
developed the scope of its activities by the
establishment of Decor Interior and the
opening of branches of the company in Durban
and Cape Town.
Decor has evolved to the extent that it
is a major distributor to the building
industry. Offering a wide variety of
services to architects and other
professional specifiers, its large variety
of stock makes it an important source to
both building contractors and interior
decorators. In addition, Decor provides a
wallpaper hanging and wall cladding
installation service.
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