TEXTILES.ORG
After 130 years of service, New Jersey’s oldest awning company has reason to celebrate. “We realize what an accomplishment it is to be celebrating our 130th year,” says Ed Burak, president of Hudson Awning & Sign Co., Bayonne, N.J. “We know our loyal customers are to thank for taking us here.”
Founded in 1881 in response to the growing need for fabricated billowy sails on tall ships, Hudson Awning took its name from the ports it serviced along the Hudson River.
After the invention of the steam engine and the spread of urbanization across the U.S., the company began fabricating more awnings. Several local residents looked to Hudson to hand sew canvas awnings to cool their homes. In the 1940s, the Burak family took ownership of the business, which then expanded into the commercial market.
Although Hudson Awning still works in the residential and commercial markets, it now relies on modern technology to create custom-designed awnings and canopies. For large commercial projects, the company partners with contractors and architects. Business has even expanded into the entertainment industry, where Hudson puts its knowledge to work creating awnings and canopies from different eras. The business remains on the cutting edge of the awning industry, and has extended its services throughout the U.S. and Canada.