Quality Workmanship. Value. Service.
Founded in 1907 and in continuous operation in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk Tent Company is one of the oldest tent manufacturers in the United States. We believe in 100% American-made manufacturing and personally stand behind every product we sell. Our company philosophy is to provide the best possible quality products, made with the best possible materials, at prices that provide long lasting value to our clients.
Our History
Norfolk Tent Company was founded in 1907, eventually becoming one of America’s oldest tentmakers. In the early years the company quickly established a tradition of specializing in the manufacturing of circus tents, carousel covers, and public assembly tents.
The company survived during the Great Depression by fulfilling government contracts to supply the Civilian Conservation Corps and the US Military with tents and various covers in addition to maintaining the core business.
Norfolk Tent Company did its part in World War II by supplying the troops with many tents and covers throughout the duration of that conflict and again during the Korean War.
The decade of the fifties saw Norfolk Tent Company venture into the tent rental business for the first time. In addition to manufacturing tents for government and private use, the company began supplying tents on a rental basis to a variety of customers including state and local fairs, corporations, and civic organizations.
Norfolk Tent Company once again answered the call to produce tents for America’s military during the Vietnam War. Rental operations expanded to cover much of the Mid Atlantic states, and commercial tent manufacturing continued to be a key part of the company’s business.
In the late 1970’s, commercial tent manufacturing and tent rentals once again became the focus for the company. Norfolk Tent Company expanded into providing tent and awning products for various theme parks such as the Busch Gardens family of parks and King’s Dominion.
The company started manufacturing its first West Coast style frame tent in 1982 which would later become the FlexFrame™ line of frame tents. During this decade, reinforced vinyl laminates became the fabric of choice for tent manufacturing, replacing the traditional cotton canvas fabric.
The company expanded its frame tent offerings and continued to offer tents, tarps, and custom covers for a wide variety of uses.
Norfolk Tent Company celebrated its 100th birthday in 2007, a milestone of remarkable perseverance. The second century of operation saw the company sell the successful rental operation and continue its dedication to manufacturing top quality American made tents. Today, we continue to add to our line up with new offerings such as the QAT FlexFrame™ (Quick Assembly Top) and the “FlexTrac™” Frame Tent with kedered slide in tops to eliminate lacing and rain flaps.
Our Process
ALWAYS MADE IN HOUSE – IN THE USA.
This allows us to guarantee quality & stand behind every product we manufacture, custom engineer and repair. Extremely fast turnaround, even on custom orders.