Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va., Trade Names Column.

Byline: Jane Gerring

Jun. 5--After 95 years in business, a local company has been bought and its future appears to be out the window.

Make that through the window.

In January, Richmond-based VIMCO Shading Systems became a subsidiary of Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., a major manufacturer and distributor of lighting controls based in Coopersburg, Pa.

Tony Lovette, the president of VIMCO, sees the companies as a natural match.

Lutron's products, he notes, control artificial light, while VIMCO's control natural light.

VIMCO produces shades designed to make homes and workplaces more comfortable by reducing heat and glare from windows, glass doors and skylights. The company's products include automated window treatments in which shades, blinds and draperies can be adjusted with the flick of a switch. These window treatments work in conjunction with other automation systems that, for example, regulate heating, air conditioning and lighting.

Many of VIMCO's shades are woven to preserve the view through a window even when the shades are in use. Other types of shades completely block out light.

"The solar shades stop around 95 percent of the [ultraviolet] light coming in," Lovette said. "The more open the fabric, the more view. The more closed the fabric, the less view."

VIMCO has more than 50 employees. About 80 percent of its business comes from …