America's Stained Glass Window Heritage Companies Come Together as Associated Crafts Acquires Willett Hauser
Winona, MN (PRWEB) January 10, 2014 -- The stained glass business has a long, rich history in communities across the country and around the world. Stained glass windows being most prevalent in churches, this business is often at the nexus of a community where the artisan craftsmen who create unique new windows and restore stained glass windows work with the church to meet the needs of their congregations.
While many companies have worked on church windows through the years, only a handful companies comprise what is known as the stained glass industry. Two of those companies have been prominent particularly in the last twenty years and now they are about to embark on a whole new relationship.
Willet Studios was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1898, while the Hauser Art Glass Company was founded in 1946 in Winona, Minnesota. The two united in 1977 as Willet Hauser Architectural Glass, Inc., one of the largest stained glass studios in North America. Willet Hauser has focussed on the stained glass needs of large churches and in public art projects. Willet Hauser has created and/or restored windows in over 15,000 buildings located throughout the world.
In 1974, they hired a salesman to service a territory of those churches. Eventually John Phillips, Sr. started his own company where his son learned the business. That son even worked with the Hausers at Willet Hauser. Nearly twenty years later in April 1997 that son, John Phillips Jr., formed Associated Crafts® in Arizona with his wife Mary Phillips, to become the fastest growing national stained glass studio specializing in preserving America’s art-glass heritage. Associated Crafts® has a national reach with operations in Arizona, Iowa and Pennsylvania.
Today, Associated Crafts® acquired Willett Hauser.
"We are delighted that the Phillips family, whom we have known for over 40 years, will continue the traditions and legacy of the Willet and Hauser families," said Mike Hauser.
Understanding the importance of community and wanting to keep jobs in Winona and Philadelphia, Willett Hauser’s two locations, the local bank was able to support this transaction.
"Winona National Bank is pleased to be an integral partner in this transaction. We are happy to bring another national company to Winona that is dedicated to keeping jobs in our community," said Chad Andersen, AVP Business Banking Officer.
The Phillips family is looking forward to bringing together the heritage of the the Willett Hauser brand with the innovation of Associated Crafts® to further service churches across the country and around the world. “It's my pleasure for my family to continue our tradition of stained glass craftsmanship at Associated Crafts with the acquisition of Willett-Hauser Studios,” said John Phillips, CEO.
John Phillips, Associated Crafts, http://church-stained-glass-windows.com/, +1 888-503-1184 Ext: 704, [email protected]
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