Faribault Woolen Mill was founded in 1865 which, as the company’s website points out for perspective, was the year that President Lincoln was assassinated and the Civil War ended. Let that sink in for a moment. Located in Faribault, Minnesota and family-owned from the start, the Faribault Woolen Mill has been producing fine blankets, throws, and other woolen products for the past 150 years. The operation began with a one horsepower carding machine, that is, it was powered by a horse. Fueled by early success, the family built the “new mill” in 1895 and it was been operating in the same location ever since. Faribault blankets were first issued to the US military during World War I and continue to supply the military today.
Faribault Mill grew throughout the 20th century as it enjoyed a well-known reputation for high-quality products. The company continued to make blankets and sleeping bags to the US military supplying more than 200,000 blankets to soldiers during World War II. By the mid-1900’s Faribault blankets were sold in most major department stores in the US and several airlines provided custom Faribault blankets to keep passengers comfortable during long flights.
After a century of success, times began to change. Global trade introduced foreign-made products sold for a fraction of the cost and consumer expectations of price and quality shifted. After a period of declining sales, it was the recession of 2009 that dealt a final blow. The mill closed its doors and employees headed home for the last time. Just before the mill equipment was to be sold to operations in Pakistan, two Minnesota businessmen, cousins Chuck and Paul Mooty, stepped in and purchased the mill and equipment. After sitting idle for 18 months, the mill was re-opened and many of the former employees were called back to work. Once again Faribault was a family-owned business.
The trajectory of success that follows is impressive. The Faribault brand was ripe for re-invention and the timing was perfect. Americans were ready to invest in high quality, American-made home products and the story of a 150-year-old business rising from the ashes is the stuff of marketers’ dreams. The brand gained status and consumers sought out the products directly from the mill and from independent retailers throughout the country. Collaborations with national brands including Target, West Elm and Crate and Barrel have provided national exposure, but it’s the hard-earned American success story that continues to attract attention and interest.
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Faribault products are made to last a lifetime and make wonderful holiday gifts. Loyal customers take pride in owning a piece of history “Loomed in the Land of Lakes.” Find Faribault products throughout this issue, at independent retailers including Yearbook Studios in Forrest Park, Illinois, and at the Faribault Mill online.
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This article appeared in the Holiday 2015 issue of Lakeshore Magazine. Subscribe HERE.
