85 Years of TEXTON: A Family Legacy in Window Treatments
Product Timeline:
Roller Shades
1940’s
Wovens Were MAde:
1950’s
Shutters Were MAde:
1960’s
Blinds Were MAde:
1970’s
Honeycombs Were MAde:
1980’s
Founded in 1941
Few brands make it 85 years. Fewer begin during the Great Depression. And even fewer remain family-owned.
The early 1940’s were defined by uncertainty. Businesses didn’t launch for attention or rapid growth—they launched out of necessity, grit, and a belief in doing something better. Tontine began as a family-owned company rooted in craftsmanship and trust—values that mattered even more during hard times.
Like Jeep and Coach—both celebrating 85 years this year—Tontine was built to last. Different industries, same mindset: creating something reliable, purposeful, and enduring. For TEXTON, longevity has never come from chasing trends, but from a deep commitment to craftsmanship, and designing high-quality custom window treatments that stand the test of time.
Founded in Dallas in 1941, Tontine’s story began with the roller shade—specifically Tontine, a performance-driven roller shade fabric created by DuPont that defined the company’s earliest work. That foundation of quality and function carried TEXTON through pivotal moments in American history, including World War II, when Tontine fabric supported a U.S. Army contract that helped keep the business moving forward.
A Beginning Rooted in Faith and Grit
Tontine was founded by Eddie Williams Sr. at a time when starting a business felt nearly impossible. With no money and no investors, he relied on faith in God, a belief in people, and the conviction that hard work and integrity could create something meaningful.
What began as a leap of faith quickly became a future—one rooted in quality service, treating customers with respect, and building a business that valued people just as much as products.
After the war, Tontine focused on selling products directly to consumers and quickly became known for its innovation in roller shades. As the business grew and shifted toward full-scale manufacturing, the name evolved into TEXTON—reflecting a new chapter focused on producing high‑quality window coverings for dealers and professionals.
TEXTON THROUGH THE YEARS
A timeline of the milestones, innovations, and achievements that shaped TEXTON’s growth and success.
Tontine Shade Shop
Founded in Dallas right after the Great Depression by Eddie Williams, Tontine began with no funding or investors—only craftsmanship and determination. A pivotal U.S. Army contract quickly changed the company’s trajectory, and in 1945, Tontine opened its first store location, laying the foundation for future growth.
Roller shades became the heart of the business from the start. Through the 1950s, Tontine served homeowners with high-quality residential window coverings, including the introduction of woven shades—establishing a reputation for innovation and trust that carried the company into the 1960s.
The Manufacturing Shift
Bill and Alan Williams, sons of founder Eddie Williams, established TEXTON as a wholesale manufacturer focused exclusively on supporting dealers. The business shifted away from direct-to-consumer sales, laying the foundation for scalable production and long-term growth.
A Permanent Home
TEXTON purchased its Garland, Texas facility, establishing a permanent home for manufacturing and operations. Over the years, the building has expanded alongside the business, and today the campus continues to grow.
Full Line Manufacturer
TEXTON expanded into a full-line manufacturer, adding products like mini blinds, honeycombs, and other window treatment solutions to its portfolio. This growth allowed the company to offer a more complete range of products while maintaining quality and consistency.
A Pivotal Launch
TEXTON introduced Madera 2″ Wood Blinds, a pivotal launch that helped shape the company’s future. While no longer part of the current product line, Madera played a significant role in expanding manufacturing capabilities and strengthening relationships with dealers.
Plantation Shutters
TEXTON expanded its product offering by introducing plantation shutters, bringing a timeless and durable window solution to its lineup. As demand grew, the company later began manufacturing its own plantation shutters to ensure quality and consistency.
Expanding for the Future
TEXTON expanded its Garland, Texas facility to support continued growth and increased manufacturing demand. The expansion strengthened operational capacity and positioned the company for the next phase of innovation.
Passing the Torch
Ed Williams and Pam Rogers, children of Bill Williams, continued the company’s family-led legacy. Under his leadership, generations of families—both within the business and among dealer partners—have remained central to the company’s culture and growth.
Exterior Screens
TEXTON expanded into exterior screens, bringing durable shading solutions to outdoor spaces. Designed for patios, porches, and large openings, these screens helped extend comfort beyond the home’s interior.
Printing The Future
TEXTON installed its first digital printer, marking a major step forward in in-house production and customization. Today, the company operates five digital printers, including the latest addition in 2025 with white-ink printing capability—unlocking new design depth and creative possibilities.
Training Center Expansion
TEXTON installed its first digital printer, marking a major step forward in in-house production and customization. Today, the company operates five digital printers, including the latest addition in 2025 with white-ink printing capability—unlocking new design depth and creative possibilities.
85 Year Celebration
Eighty-five years later, TEXTON stands as a testament to what faith, family, and craftsmanship can build over time. What began after the Great Depression has grown into a multi-generational manufacturing company rooted in innovation and driven by people. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the legacy behind us and look ahead with the same commitment to quality, integrity, and joy that has defined us from the very beginning.
Crafted for What’s Next
After 85 years, TEXTON knows exactly where it’s going. Guided by faith, grounded in family, and committed to excellence, we will continue creating high-quality window treatment products with intention and care. Through every season of growth, we choose craftsmanship, we choose people—and we choose joy.
