About Hudson Awning ─ a Brief Introduction & Overview
Established in 1881, during the Nation's flourishing industrial era, Hudson was founded as a canvas sail manufacturer reliant upon the tall ships traveling and docking along the Hudson River. As the Northeast's gateway for goods and travel during this era, the river's long and storied history, intrigue, and culture were the catalyst for Hudson's enduring business philosophies and future creations.
Transitioning from its earliest beginnings to its current stature as the premier designer and fabricator of custom architectural structures, awnings, and canopies has been a natural evolution for the multi-generation-owned company. Today, Hudson's award-winning designs and products adorn premier, visually prominent commercial buildings. These spans virtually every asset type, from major shopping centers, offices, and apartment houses to hospitals, hotels, world-class dining establishments, chic retailers, and renowned sports and entertainment venues. In addition, Hudson is a sought-after resource serving the television- and movie-set-designer industry niche.
THE HALLMARKS FOR EVERY HIGH-QUALITY, SUCCESSFUL HUDSON PROJECT FEATURES:
Hudson's hard-earned, storied reputation is widely acknowledged within the architectural and design industry and beyond. The company holds numerous prestigious certifications and/or is a member of AIA; Industrial Fabrics Association International, the industry's largest trade association; CSI; American Subcontractors Association; Fabric Structures Association; US Green Building Council; Professional Awning Manufacturers Association; and Associated Builders & Contractors.
Honors and awards have been garnered from Forbes, Industrial Fabric Association International, and various trade associations, including the New Jersey Restaurant Association and NJ Society of Architects.
Our History
1881
Setting Sail
The company's origins trace back to a sailmaker who masterfully fabricated canvas for boats navigating the Hudson River throughout the heyday of the Nation's industrial era
1940
Charting a New Course
Benjamin Burak, a salesperson for Hudson Awning Company, acquires the sail-making business and expands the product line to include awnings for both residential & business
1940-1970
Storefronts & Brownstones
The company continues to grow its reach throughout the New York City Metro, evolving from its initial roots of serving businesses with small storefronts and providing window awnings for brownstones in Jersey City & Bayonne
1979
Concentration on Construction
Ed Burak, Benjamin's son, assumes the company reins and spearheads its transition from a cottage-trade philosophy to one that is construction focused; he is joined by his wife Lynda, who oversees the company's administrative tasks
1982
Innovative Best Practices
Hudson marks a new milestone that establishes an innovative best practice for constructing awning frames utilizing welded pipe fittings
1990
A New Home
The company's expanded best-in-class product line and talented employee base led Hudson to acquire its current headquarters in Bayonne, acquired Acme Awning & Shade Co of North Jersey
1992
Setting New Standards
At a time when production is almost double, engineer Hussain Ali is added to the team to design, draw and estimate projects, which are now significantly larger and pose new benchmarks for quality and safety
2001
Award-Winning Ways
Hudson is recognized with the "Project of the Year" Award by the Industrial Fabrics Association – the first of many prestigious awards that will follow in subsequent years
2006
Stamp of Approval
Forbes awards Hudson the Enterprise Award for Best Small Business of the Year
2008
State-of-the-Art Solutions
With larger commercial assignments feeding overwhelming demand for Hudson's custom solutions, the company incorporates radio frequency heat sealing and hot-air welding of fabric along with a track-operated membrane machine into its business platform
2014
Leading Industry Education
Diana Isabella-Wetchkus joins the company where she collaboratively manages every facet of the business with Ed Burak; CEU-credit seminars for architects are introduced to advance industry knowledge of the latest Awning and structure construction techniques and code compliance
The 2020s
Keeping Current
The hands-on executive leadership team continues to formulate new strategies that build on the company's impeccable reputation and evolution from sail-making and awnings to architectural structures and beyond. Additionally, Hudson staff attends all OSHA related courses