After twenty years of building the international market for nylon bath and safety products, HEWI announced in mid 2002 that it was planning to close several of its international operations. By the end of 2002, HEWI closed its 98,000 sq. ft. factory and offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, terminated all the employees, and liquidated all of its North American assets.

To fill the market void for high quality nylon products left by the departure of HEWI from the United States and Canada, SAFE-ACCESS Systems, Inc. entered into partnership with PBA of Italy to import, assemble, manufacture and market high quality Nylon Bath and Shower Seats, Nylon Grab Bars, Nylon Bathroom Accessories, and Nylon Handrails. In addition, the partnership introduced New Shower Seats and Bath Seats, Bathroom Accessories, and Handrails constructed of very aesthetically appealing combinations of 316 Stainless Steel and Colored Nylon.

PBA is a dynamic Italian company and one of Europe’s premier manufacturers of high quality and innovatively styled architectural hardware (www.pba.it)

SAFE-ACCESS SYSTEMS (SAS) is an American-owned manufacturer and distributor of high quality architectural hardware designed to enhance accessibility and personal safety in the built environment through the application of Universal Design Principles. As the exclusive licensee of PBA for North America, SAS has established a reputation for excellent customer satisfaction through personal service, fast deliveries, and competitive prices. The company can manufacture custom grab bars and handrails of virtually any configuration at its factory in Lexington, South Carolina.