Expert Spotlight: Rainier Industries

Every month, Somfy highlights one of our amazing Experts. This month we’re turning the spotlight on Rainier Industries!

Rainier Industries is a unique middle market manufacturing company selling retractable awnings and power screens direct to consumers in the greater Seattle area and across North America through their network of dealers. All of their shade products are custom built in the United States. Rainier's main office and manufacturing plant is located just outside of Seattle, WA and they have a second manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

From the Gold Rush to Your Backyard

Rainier got their start in 1896, selling tents and canvas products to prospectors heading north during the Alaska Gold Rush. Rainier Industries, previously known as Puget Sound Tent and Awning, was established in 1896, specializing in tents, custom fabric products, and awnings for the growing Puget Sound region.  

Henry Carstens was the founder and owned the company until 1916. The company has changed ownership just four times, and the current owner, Scott Campbell, bought it from his father – it’s been family-owned for over 50 years. They expanded into the retractable awning and screen business in 1984, and began manufacturing their own shade products in 2008.

This is the original Rainier Wall Tent, which was the inspiration when Rainier changed their name in the early 1990s.

Goodbye Bugs, Hello Energy Savings

Rainier Power Screens feature the SRS™ Side Retention System, a strong retention system featuring side tracks designed to keep the screen mesh stable, even in windy conditions. They’ve built a cleaning system into the screen’s housing to brush bugs and debris off the screen mesh, preventing pests from nesting in the housing.

Designed to filter out the majority of the sun’s harmful effects while preserving your outdoor view and allowing better control over interior lighting. Rainier's product reduces annoying glare on computers and television screens and diminishes the harmful UV rays that fade furnishings and flooring. Power screens naturally cool the home by reducing heat gain and decreasing use of traditional air conditioning.

Why Motorization?

Homeowners who purchase a motorized shade system are more satisfied with their purchase than those who opt for a manual system with a hand crank. Motorization makes using a shade system more convenient, and you will be less likely to experience damage (for example, leaving your awning out in bad weather, or rolling up the screen fabric the wrong direction.)

A Wide Range of Shade

Rainier's diverse capabilities allow them to print on the screen fabric. Rainier has printed images on screens for both residential and commercial clients. 

Pictured is the Puget Consumer’s Co-op Market in Seattle, these screens serve a dual function: keeping the indoor temperature regulated, and branding this local natural food market. 

Homeowners have opted to show support for their favorite sports teams, to celebrate their patriotism, or to enjoy a serene outdoor scene even on a rainy Seattle afternoon.

Rainier has been committed to providing the best display, shade, and shelter solutions since 1896. At Rainier, quality is timeless. Contact Rainier for more information!