Now, with the ongoing trade war and other volatile economic forces at work, we see the historic textile maker Faribault Mill still proving its mettle. The mill, which was founded in 1865, has withstood a long racial historical storm. It’s weathered the storm of the Civil War, both World Wars, multiple recessions and two worldwide pandemics. Chief Executive Officer Ross Widmoyer has headed Faribault Mill. The firm has focused extensively on productivity, investing heavily into its manufacturing operations to which it owes both higher productivity and insulation from the uncertainty wrought by President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
That’s meant a 170 million dollar investment by the mill into advanced equipment and workforce development. In the process, it has increased productivity and reduced costs on some of its fastest-moving and most popular items. This intention to develop the site sustainably is a strategic move, and it ensures the mill’s continued vibrancy. It benefits the overall U.S. manufacturing ecosystem, too.
Innovative Quality Control Processes
Perhaps the most important quality control process at Faribault Mill is the ‘burling’ inspection. During this very careful process, the textile is pulled tight across a backlight to show any flaws or unevenness. Such a rigorous review gives confidence to consumers that only the safest and most effective products will make it to store shelves.
Employees are the ones who do this essential inspection as part of their dedication to upholding the mill’s high level quality standards. The workforce at Faribault Mill speaks volumes about the place and the community in which it resides. Most of those employees are proud third- and fourth-generation operators. This skip carrier building pilgrimage culture instills a passion and pride in the workforce that has helped make the mill a long-standing legacy of quality.
By using high-tech equipment alongside 19th-century looms, Faribault Mill combines cutting-edge technology with age-old artistry. This powerful combination allows the company to make products of such high quality that they appeal to customers looking for American-made products.
Resilience Through Investment and Adaptation
Through it all, Faribault Mill has fortified its ships for future economic tempests. A series of recent seven-figure investments are updating equipment and improving the capabilities of their workforce. These investments reflect a broader commitment to innovation and adaptation, allowing the mill to respond effectively to changing market conditions.
This is partly due to the decision to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, which have led to higher productivity. As a direct benefit, Faribault Mill has been able to lower prices on some of their most popular items while maintaining Made-in-America quality. This mix is incredibly important to the mill. It seeks to increase U.S. penetrations of market share and to save U.S. firms from foreign import competition.
In doing so, Faribault Mill has managed to insulate itself from the uncertainty that has sunk a whole host of other manufacturers. This success has occurred despite the headwinds created by tariffs on imported components. By consistently emphasizing quality, reliability, and customer service, the small company has survived and prospered through booming and busting economic cycles.
Impact of Tariffs on the Manufacturing Landscape
Faribault Mill is an outlier in today’s U.S. manufacturing landscape. This success story is a stark contrast to the plight of many businesses that have experienced adverse effects from tariffs levied by the present administration. The U.S. imported an estimated $723 million of pet toys last year, 93% of which came from China. This reliance on foreign imports has left many manufacturers vulnerable, while companies like Faribault Mill have capitalized on their domestic capabilities.
Consumer-oriented businesses such as pet product manufacturer West Paw, based in nearby Bozeman, Montana, are booming. They make sustainable dog toys out of recycled materials. West Paw exports its products to 40 countries, with Canada as its biggest trading partner and marketplace. These companies have built tremendous success. They show the world that the future of American manufacturing lies in our commitment to sustainability and industry-led innovation.
Now, Sherrill Manufacturing co-founder Greg Owens is keying up a second chance for U.S. manufacturing. He brought the Liberty Tabletop brand into being when Oneida Limited closed its factory in Sherrill, New York, in early 2005. Sherrill Manufacturing represents the American ingenuity that will help companies get their market leadership back. They do this by focusing on quality first and foremost and making sure things are produced locally.