Interviews
Revival of Faribault Woolen Mill Company
23 Jul '11
3 min read
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company, which was once the nation's largest manufacturer of wool blankets, is now under new ownership. Former International Dairy Queen CEO Chuck Mooty and his cousin and partner Paul Mooty are breathing new life into the state's oldest manufacturing company while integrating a fresh perspective.
The Mootys purchased the Mill on June 30. Chuck Mooty will serve as President and CEO while Paul Mooty will serve as the company's CFO. The business partners aim to return a historic landmark to the town of Faribault with a goal of reestablishing America, specifically Minnesota, as a viable manufacturer of wool products at a time when the majority of textile production occurs overseas.
"This is a story about the revival of American excellence," Mooty said. "The art of manufacturing textiles should be retained by our country, particularly during a time when our economy is so challenged with unemployment."
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company has an extensive and remarkable legacy dating back to 1865. Throughout its existence, the brand established a worldwide reputation synonymous with quality and durability creating products that ranged from luxury blankets to an array of finely crafted accessories. The woolen mill is one of the only fully vertically integrated manufacturers in the country.
The Mootys plan to extend this legacy into the future. In true small-town style, the woolen mill will be a family affair. Chuck Mooty has recruited his son John to head-up the company's marketing department with a hope to incorporate additional family members down the road.
The Mootys are currently mobilizing their in-store and online retail services, as well as utilizing hospitality, health care, government, and specialty design channels to showcase and sell their products. Through its ventures, the woolen mill hopes to increase employment and welcome back many previous workers. At the forefront of their mission will be the incorporation of Faribault's deeply rooted hometown pride.
Although production at the woolen mill has been on pause, the machinery will not be collecting dust for much longer. The company plans to resume textile production in August. They are confident their products will garner positive reception and catapult their brand into an all-embracing future.
"We have a challenge in front of us to make this company relevant and economically viable, but that is the beauty of this undertaking," Mooty said. "What a fun challenge to rejuvenate a community, a piece of history, a slice of a domestic industry and execute in a way which brings pride, employment and fulfillment back into the lives of so many."
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company is an American manufacturing company specializing in the production of woolen and other woven-fiber goods. Established in 1865 on the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, Minnesota, this family owned mill has been dedicated to designing, weaving, and distributing the finest quality products from its extensive line of experienced craftsmen. It remains a living testament to the ever-fading art of American-made excellence and one of the only mills left in our country fully integrated to produce product from start to finish under one roof.
The Mootys purchased the Mill on June 30. Chuck Mooty will serve as President and CEO while Paul Mooty will serve as the company's CFO. The business partners aim to return a historic landmark to the town of Faribault with a goal of reestablishing America, specifically Minnesota, as a viable manufacturer of wool products at a time when the majority of textile production occurs overseas.
"This is a story about the revival of American excellence," Mooty said. "The art of manufacturing textiles should be retained by our country, particularly during a time when our economy is so challenged with unemployment."
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company has an extensive and remarkable legacy dating back to 1865. Throughout its existence, the brand established a worldwide reputation synonymous with quality and durability creating products that ranged from luxury blankets to an array of finely crafted accessories. The woolen mill is one of the only fully vertically integrated manufacturers in the country.
The Mootys plan to extend this legacy into the future. In true small-town style, the woolen mill will be a family affair. Chuck Mooty has recruited his son John to head-up the company's marketing department with a hope to incorporate additional family members down the road.
The Mootys are currently mobilizing their in-store and online retail services, as well as utilizing hospitality, health care, government, and specialty design channels to showcase and sell their products. Through its ventures, the woolen mill hopes to increase employment and welcome back many previous workers. At the forefront of their mission will be the incorporation of Faribault's deeply rooted hometown pride.
Although production at the woolen mill has been on pause, the machinery will not be collecting dust for much longer. The company plans to resume textile production in August. They are confident their products will garner positive reception and catapult their brand into an all-embracing future.
"We have a challenge in front of us to make this company relevant and economically viable, but that is the beauty of this undertaking," Mooty said. "What a fun challenge to rejuvenate a community, a piece of history, a slice of a domestic industry and execute in a way which brings pride, employment and fulfillment back into the lives of so many."
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company is an American manufacturing company specializing in the production of woolen and other woven-fiber goods. Established in 1865 on the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, Minnesota, this family owned mill has been dedicated to designing, weaving, and distributing the finest quality products from its extensive line of experienced craftsmen. It remains a living testament to the ever-fading art of American-made excellence and one of the only mills left in our country fully integrated to produce product from start to finish under one roof.
Faribault Woolen Mill Company
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