BAT S.p.A. opens BAT USA

BAT S.p.A., an Italian awning manufacturer, is opening BAT USA in Middlebury, Vt., for the production and distribution of awning components. The company also recently purchased Durasol Awnings, also located in Middlebury, Vt., but that part of the business will distribute a different range of finished products and fabrics to the industry. The parent company, located near Venice, Italy, expanded its operations in Spain in 2008 and now adds a U.S.-based plant to its operations.