Oriental Weavers has announced the merger of its North American distribution (Sphinx) and domestic manufacturing operation (Oriental Weavers of America), effective Jan. 1.

In 1991, Sphinx by Oriental Weavers was formed by parent company Oriental Weavers in Egypt. Due to the increasing popularity of Sphinx product, the company realized the need to open a manufacturing facility in the United States. As a result, OWA was created in 1994. While Sphinx customers have always consisted of specialty floor covering stores, department stores and furniture stores, the American manufacturing focus has been more on the big box and mass merchant segments.

According to Mike Riley, executive vice president of Sphinx, the merged company will "have the opportunity to utilize resources overseas and in the U.S. to reorganize and strengthen our supply chain. In doing so, we will own a more distinctive market advantage."