A little less than a year after being acquired by Platinum Equity, Cone Mills has announced they will be shutting down their White Oak mill – the last mill to make selvedge denim in the US – on December 31, 2017.
As reported by Heddels, the mill has been in continuous operation since 1905, and it’s selvedge denim has long been some of the most sought after in the world.
“For more than 125 years Cone Denim has defined American denim and authenticity with the White Oak mill representing the essence of Cone’s heritage,” Kenneth T. Kunberger, President & CEO of Cone Denim and the International Textile Group, said in a press release. “We truly regret having to take this action to close the mill, and we deeply appreciate the loyalty and dedication of all current and former employees of the White Oak mill.”
While much of the American garment industry has atrophied over the last three decades, Cone Mills has remained one of the more reliable producers, so this is unfortunate news, to say the least.
You can read more about it at Heddels.
