2002 marks a special anniversary for Draper, Inc. The Spiceland, Ind.-based manufacturer of projection screens, window shades and gymnasium equipment is celebrating its centennial. The company's anniversary-year theme is "Build on our Experience."
The company was founded by Luther O. Draper in 1902 to manufacture window shades for schools, and the company is still owned and managed by Draper's descendants. In 1957 Draper's grandson, Luther Pidgeon, secured a patent on an inexpensive classroom projection screen, marking Draper's entry into the screen business. Today, projection screens and related products are the largest component of Draper's business. Draper-manufactured products closely related to projection screens include rear projection display systems, video projector mounts and lifts, plasma display mounts, presentation easels and communication support furniture.
In 1989 Draper introduced FlexShade Systems, a second line of window shades designed for the commercial market. In 1994 Draper entered the gymnasium equipment market. Today, the company's gymnasium equipment products include basketball backstops, gym dividers,wall pads, volleyball equipment, batting cages and wrestling mat hoists.
Draper Inc. is headquartered in Spiceland, Ind., a village of 800 people located 40 miles east of Indianapolis, Ind. In addition to its Spiceland facilities, Draper has manufacturing operations in Beverly, Ohio, and sales offices in Fullerton, Calif.; Blackwood, Gwent, United Kingdom; Nacka, Sweden and Hong Kong. Draper products are shipped to dealers throughout the United States and more than 75 foreign countries.