Our Story
Over 80 Years of Standard Textile
From humble beginnings during a difficult era to becoming an international, vertically integrated powerhouse in the textile industry, our story continues to unfold.
The Journey to America
Standard Textile was founded by the Heiman family, headed by Charles Heiman, an immigrant from Germany who had been incarcerated in the Dachau concentration camp. Charles escaped from the concentration camp, joined his family, and left Germany for the United States. “We had to learn the American way of doing things. When my father couldn’t get a job during the Depression, he decided to start his own business,” shared Paul Heiman, former Chairman of the Board and Charles’ son.
Finding a Home in Cincinnati
Standard Textile was established on July 1, 1940, as a small business based out of the Heiman family’s third floor apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio. All of the company’s original employees were also refugees. The company grew quickly and in 1945 expanded to an old shoe factory in downtown Cincinnati. At the end of World War II, the growing need for textile products helped create demand for Standard Textile’s high-quality items and diligent customer service. In 1963, Standard Textile moved to another Cincinnati-area site that would eventually become our world headquarters and remains so today.
Leading Through Innovation
During the next three decades of the company’s history, Paul Heiman, Charles’s son, grew the company into a successful growing company, specializing in healthcare textiles. In the mid-1970s, Standard Textile created its first international manufacturing operation in Arad, Israel. During the 1980s, the company developed what would become the industry standard for reusable surgical technology: ComPel® fabric. In the decades to follow, underpads, blankets, sheeting, towels, and other product and technology patents followed.
Growing Around the Globe
Under the leadership of Paul’s son Gary, the company’s current Chairman and CEO, Standard Textile grew its US and global manufacturing footprint. Gary shaped a culture that prioritizes continuous innovation and, in particular, “disruptive” innovation and a “customer-first” philosophy. Gary views innovation as the foundation for bringing never-before-imagined benefits to customers. The company has obtained over 150 product and technology patents.
What’s Next for Standard Textile
On January 16, 2023, continuing in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Gary appointed his son, Alex, to the role of President. Gary shared, “Alex’s aptitude for leadership, his humility and willingness to learn from others, his forward-looking mindset and his deep respect for the ideals that were first put in place by my grandfather are all reasons I can proudly and with confidence pass on the presidency role to my son.”
As a new chapter in Standard Textile’s history begins, what remains consistent is the company’s commitment to innovation to help customers and people around the world experience a better life.