In a globalized textile market, where raw materials and finished goods often cross multiple continents before reaching consumers, Made in the USA still means something powerful—especially in the world of yarn hosiery manufacturing. For decades, American mills have set the benchmark for durable, high-performance yarns and socks made from rag wool blends, fine merino, and resilient synthetics.

The Brickle Group’s own textile divisions represent a tradition of craftsmanship that hasn’t faded with time. Supporting the production of heritage-inspired wool work socks to modern technical hosiery for outdoor performance, USA yarn manufacturing continues to blend old-world know-how with modern innovation.

Why Domestic Yarn Manufacturing Matters

At its core, yarn hosiery manufacturing is an intricate balance of fiber science, machine precision, and human experience. When that process takes place in the United States, every stage—fiber selection, carding, spinning, plying, and knitting—is tightly controlled for consistency and traceability.

Here’s why that matters:

• Quality Control from Start to Finish
  Domestic mills operate with shorter supply chains, meaning every batch of yarn can be inspected, tested, and fine-tuned to meet rigorous specifications. Whether it’s maintaining the loft and warmth of rag wool or ensuring colorfastness in blended yarns, quality assurance is a hands-on process in American manufacturing.
  
• Reliability and Responsiveness
  When you’re producing yarn for hosiery brands or industrial applications, lead time and consistency are everything. U.S. manufacturers can react faster to changes in demand, replenish orders quickly, and maintain consistent fiber blends—an advantage that offshore production rarely matches.
  
• Support for American Jobs and Skills
  Every cone of yarn spun domestically represents more than a product—it sustains skilled jobs in carding, spinning, knitting, and finishing. It preserves a deep legacy of craftsmanship that has defined the American textile industry for over a century.
  

Rag Wool and Beyond: The American Hosiery Heritage

Rag wool yarn holds a special place in the history of U.S. hosiery manufacturing. Traditionally made by blending new wool fibers with reclaimed or recycled materials, rag wool offered warmth, texture, and durability—qualities that made it the go-to yarn for outdoor, military, and work socks.

Today, many U.S. mills still honor that tradition while updating it for modern expectations. Recycled fiber programs, low-impact dyes, and sustainable spinning operations keep the “rag wool spirit” alive—where rugged performance meets environmental responsibility.

This balance of heritage and innovation defines the next generation of American hosiery yarns. Whether it’s a high-twist wool-nylon blend for hiking socks, a fine merino core-spun yarn for lifestyle wear, or an acrylic-wool composite designed for easy care, American mills remain at the forefront of engineered yarn development.

Sustainability Through Proximity

Domestic manufacturing isn’t just about national pride—it’s also a sustainability advantage. Producing yarn and hosiery in the United States reduces the carbon footprint associated with transoceanic shipping and overseas supply chains. 

By manufacturing closer to where products are consumed, U.S. textile producers minimize transportation emissions and improve transparency for environmentally conscious brands and consumers alike.

Innovation Within Tradition

While the machinery inside a hosiery mill may look familiar—rows of spinning frames, twisting heads, and knitting stations—the technology driving them has evolved dramatically. American yarn manufacturers are investing in:

• Advanced blending systems for uniform fiber distribution
  
• Computer-controlled spinning equipment for precision yarn count control
  
• Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial fiber integration for performance wear
  
• Color-matching and dye optimization technology for consistency across product runs
  

This intersection of tradition and technology ensures that American-made yarns deliver both the warmth and authenticity of classic wool hosiery and the performance demanded by modern consumers.

The Brickle Group and the American Textile Legacy

For more than 85 years, The Brickle Group has been part of this enduring story. With operations spanning Bouckaert Industrial Textiles, Northwest Woolen Mills, and The Brickle Group’s own vertically integrated facilities which now include Family yarns and F&M Dye Corp., the company represents one of the few remaining end-to-end textile manufacturers in the United States.

From raw fiber to finished goods, The Brickle Group exemplifies what it means to maintain domestic control over production quality, innovation, and sustainability. Its work supports a resilient U.S. supply chain that keeps the art of yarn and hosiery manufacturing alive—strong, adaptable, and ready for the next generation.

Why the Future Still Belongs to American-Made Yarn

As consumers grow more aware of where their textiles come from, Made in the USA is no longer just a label—it’s a promise of integrity, performance, and sustainability. In hosiery and yarn manufacturing, that promise carries the weight of decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and community.

American-made yarns continue to define what premium quality means in the global marketplace: durability you can feel, consistency you can rely on, and a legacy you can trace back to the very fibers themselves.

Key Contract Details

• Awarding Agency: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
  
• Product: Wool Blankets
  
• Quantity: 536,650 Total Units
  

“We’re honored to be selected by the DLA to support this critical mission,” said Max Brickle, President of The Brickle Group. “This contract reaffirms our commitment to serving both national and humanitarian needs through high-quality, American-made textile products.”

Over 68 Years of Craftsmanship and Mission-Driven Service
Northwest Woolen Mills, operating out of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has built its reputation on reliable, durable woolen products tailored to institutional and government requirements. Backed by decades of experience, the company manufactures everything from military-grade blankets, berets, extreme cold weather gloves and uniforms to emergency relief textiles—all proudly made in the U.S.

A Trusted Partner in Humanitarian and Emergency Relief
In addition to serving the Department of Defense, Northwest Woolen Mills has long supported emergency and disaster relief efforts. The company’s blankets are trusted by FEMA, NGOs, and other aid organizations for their quality, dependability, and commitment to comfort in crisis scenarios.

What This Means

• Scale and Speed: Producing over half a million blankets within a year demonstrates Northwest Woolen Mills’ bulk manufacturing capacity and supply chain expertise.
  
• Humanitarian Impact: These blankets will provide warmth and comfort to individuals experiencing homelessness, reflecting the company’s deep values in service and social impact.
  
• Economic Benefits: The contract supports American manufacturing jobs, local subcontractors, and the Woonsocket economy.
  

About Northwest Woolen Mills
Northwest Woolen Mills, a division of The Brickle Group, has delivered premium wool and synthetic blanket solutions to government, humanitarian, healthcare, correctional, and outdoor sectors since 1957. Operating from Rhode Island, the company is known for durable, customizable products with reliable quality—all produced in the USA.

Contact Information
Northwest Woolen Mills
235 Singleton Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: 401‑769‑0189
Email: customerservice@hbrickle.com

During his visit, Congressman Amo toured our operations, gaining insight into how we produce essential textile products, such as berets and blankets for West Point - The U.S. Military Academy and wool used in official MLB baseballs. Our team had the opportunity to discuss the importance of strengthening the U.S. textile industrial base, ensuring that the military can continue to source 100% Berry Compliant materials domestically.

We appreciate Congressman Amo’s commitment to supporting American manufacturing and his efforts to help execute a plan that reinforces the U.S. textile industry. His visit reaffirmed the critical role that companies like The Brickle Group play in supplying high-quality, American-made textile products that support both our military and broader industrial needs.

As we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence, we look forward to collaborating with policymakers and industry leaders to ensure a strong, sustainable future for U.S. textiles.

The Brickle Group is proud to announce the launch of a cutting-edge twisting facility at its expansive 500,000-square-foot campus in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. This latest investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to deliver high-quality woolen yarn products while elevating its manufacturing capabilities.

The advanced facility features industry-leading equipment, including the Saurer Volkman 05 twister and Gilbos winder, enabling the production of 2-ply, 3-ply, and 4-ply twisting. Yarns sizes capability of twisting is 10 cc and coarser. All natural fibers as well as Kevlar,Nomex and rayon.With a production capacity of 2 million pounds annually, this expansion reinforces The Brickle Group’s position as an industry leader in woolen yarn manufacturing.

This milestone follows The Brickle Group’s strategic acquisition of Family Yarns in April 2024, allowing the company to integrate spinning and twisting operations seamlessly. The new facility not only supports internal production needs but also enhances Brickle’s ability to meet the growing demands of commercial customers.

“This new twisting facility represents a transformative step in our growth strategy,” said Max Brickle, President of The Brickle Group. “It underscores our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering the superior quality our customers expect from us.”

The Brickle Group continues to prioritize quality and efficiency while meeting the evolving needs of the textile industry. This facility is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

Company president, Max Brickle, announced the decision to the company after employees and management expressed a desire to help those affected by the war.

Northwest Woolen Mills, a division of The Brickle Group, is the source of the blankets. Northwest Woolen Mills is a manufacturer of blankets, uniforms, PPE gear and many other textiles for the US Department of Defense, FEMA, and many private and not-for-profit organizations. From natural disaster response in the USA to refugee relief programs in Afghanistan, Syria and many others, Northwest Woolen Mills has supported many humanitarian assistance programs around the world.

When asked what drove the company to make this donation, Max noted “It's who we are. Our blankets have kept those in need warm since 1978. When people need help, it’s on everyone to step up. After consulting with UNHCR and company leadership, it was decided that this donation would be the most impactful.”

The blankets are were picked up on April 8, 2022, from the company facility in Woonsocket, Rhode Island for immediate distribution to those that have been displaced by the war.

The contract has a maximum firm-fixed-price of $20,352,000 with a base term of 24 months. The ordering period end date is April 18, 2023. The Annual Estimated Quantity (AEQ) is 1,680,000 masks which is equal to $7,123,200. The Annual Order Limitations Quantity (AOLQ) is 4,800,000 masks. Locations of performance are Rhode Island and New York.

They will be manufacturing a specially designed mask to be worn with the US Army Combat Uniform. The customers to use the mask are the Army, Civil-Military Operations, and National Guard.

The awarding of this new multi-million-dollar contract is yet another indication of their long history of success.

When asked about his reasoning behind the donation, Max said, “This has been a tough year for all of us. We’ve been sourcing and trading PPE gear supporting states, businesses, and other organizations for the past 9 months. It has helped us keep our doors open. But when we can offer to help our local community as the pandemic is getting worse, that is something we always strive to do. We have been a part of the Rhode Island community for more than 80 years and look forward to being neighbors and friends for the next 80.”

The Brickle Group is no stranger to helping out whenever possible. As the largest wool blanket manufacturer in the country, Northwest Woolen Mills has been supplying blankets to disaster relief organizations, homeless shelters, and other businesses to support those in need for more than 40 years. Heat Smart, another subsidiary of The Brickle Group, helps low-income families be more efficient in managing the rising cost of energy.

In addition to its traditional workload, Northwest Woolen Mills began trading in and distributing PPE to states, local schools, organizations, and businesses in March with the coming of the Covid-19 pandemic. With a vaccine rollout starting, Northwest Woolen Mills and The Brickle Group have started to return to their traditional business focus but remain vigilant to continue to help in whatever way possible.

To learn more about The Brickle Group, its businesses, and how it has kept textile manufacturing alive in New England since the industrial revolution, please reach out to Business Development and Marketing Manager Alex d’Anjou at adanjou@hbrickle.com.

Surprisingly, the jacket has been around since the 1800’s when the first variation was worn by then naval powerhouse, the Dutch. The name pea coat originated from the Dutch word “pije” which was used in the Dutch language to describe a coat made from coarse wool fabric.

While the Dutch are credited for inventing the pea coat, it was the British navy who can take the credit for the popularization of the jacket. The British version of the coat was similarly designed for naval duties, particularly designed to be a uniform for petty officers.

The coat then made its way across the Atlantic for a third appearance, this time with the American Navy. The U.S. Navy adopted the coat and used the coat for “reefers”, who were the sailors responsible for the unenviable task of climbing up the rigging of sailing ships.

The common denominator for all three countries for adopting the peacoat was a need for a durable piece of outwear that could withstand the harsh rain, wind and cold temperatures typically experienced out at sea.

Traditionally peacoats are constructed out of melton wool containing between 50%-100% wool with the best being 100%. The wool is woven tightly and treated with heat to bind the fibers together resulting in a very warm, water and wind-resistant fabric that was perfect for life at sea.

The current US Navy standard peacoat is made from 100% wool and is supplied by the manufacturer Northwest Woolen Mills (A Division of The Brickle Group). Since the US Navy in the process of moving to a more modern synthetic parka jacket, this mean that Northwest Woolen Mills is producing the last production contract ever of this historic coat due to end February 2019. It is 100% US sourced and made and while it may be knocked off in the future, it will never be “original” again.

The Brickle Group contacted RIRAL to explore options about upskilling its employees. RIRAL introduced Brickle’s Management Team to the CSP funding source for onsite incumbent workforce training furnished by the Governor’s Workforce Board’s new Real Pathways Program. The CSP Grant is a significant employer incentive that pays for a substantial portion of every hour of educational preparation and instruction for the onsite classes to improve employees’ core skills; including ELL workplace communication, basic skills through high school equivalency, and basic computer literacy. The Brickle Group, RIRAL and the CSP worked together to create a curriculum that incorporated real life vocabulary and materials from the workplace to optimally improve workplace communication.Benefits from worksite training include better communication with supervisors, managers, co-workers, customers and clients. Such training often results in reduced turnover and layoffs while increasing safety, productivity and efficiency. Moreover, entry levels employees are upskilled giving rise to boosts in morale and confidence and increased promotion internally.

Another business benefiting from core skills classes for employees and CSP funding is the Dean Hotel in Providence. The Dean is currently running English language classes customized for the needs of housekeeping staff, as well as Spanish language classes for Managers. These services are being provided by Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) through the Providence Public Library.

“We have been very pleased with the staff response to the program as our participants come to work each day with new vocabulary and a clearer sense of their worth and purpose within the work community,” states General Manager of The Dean Hotel Aarin Clemons.

The RI Core Skills Partnership (CSP), a statewide collaboration of Adult Education (AE) providers and employers, serves employers by matching them with AE providers who conduct onsite workplace education with a curriculum that is customized to the employer’s specific needs. The CSP Training Fund covers 75% of the cost of services, based on the industry standard of $45/hr. of instruction, while employers commit to 25% of the funding. The CSP is funded by the GWB JDF.

Max Brickle, President of The Brickle Group, gave a factory tour to some of our state’s politicians including Governor Gina Raimondo and Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. Topics such as the state of the manufacturing industry, qualifications for working in a manufacturing factory, the history of The Brickle Group and its’ subsidiaries, as well as plans for the future were discussed.

Read the full article here.