About Us
Welcome to Merrow Knits, a beacon of heritage and quality in the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts. Our journey, deeply intertwined with the legacy of Fall River Knitting Mill, represents a century-long commitment to superior quality, outstanding value, and American craftsmanship.
A Legacy Reimagined: Merrow Knits, originally known as Fall River Knitting Mill, has been a part of the fabric of American textile history for over a century. Our story began in the 1870s when Merrow first ventured into knitting operations. The Reitzas family, who operated Fall River Knitting Mill, continues to play an integral role in our journey, embodying the continuity of tradition and innovation.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Pioneers: Our roots in the New Merrow Knits division trace back to a modest two-person operation in New York City, established in 1911. Frank Reitzas, a visionary in knitting, worked tirelessly on his knitting machine at night, while his wife, Flora, sold the fabric each day. Together, they built a legacy based on the belief that quality products should be accessible and leave customers with change in their pockets.
A Century of Excellence from Fall River: Since mving to the original granite mill in Fall River in the late 1930s, our company has grown and evolved, yet our values remain unaltered. We continue to operate from this historic site, a symbol of our enduring commitment to our roots and the community that has supported us.
Tradition Meets Modern Craftsmanship: At Merrow Knits, we honor our New England heritage by giving personal attention to every sweater we produce. Our 300,000 square foot mill, as steadfast as its granite foundation, is a testament to nearly a century of expertise in sweater making. The hundreds of thousands of sweaters crafted here have garnered attention from customers nationwide, a testament to the trust and loyalty we've cultivated over the years.
Superior Quality, Outstanding Value: These principles have been our cornerstone for over a century. Our dedication to superior quality and craftsmanship is evident in every stitch and seam. Our products are not just garments; they are pieces of a storied legacy, woven with care, precision, and pride.
Made in the U.S.A.: We take pride in our American roots, ensuring that every product we offer is made in the U.S.A. This commitment not only reflects our dedication to quality but also supports local communities and sustains a tradition of American textile excellence.
At Merrow Knits, we are more than just a brand; we are custodians of a rich textile legacy, continuously striving to weave the values of quality, value, and American craftsmanship into the fabric of our future.
We design and build every product offered at Merrow Knits - made in Fall River, MA.
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In 2017 and 2018 Merrow was awarded manufacturer of the year in the state of MA, the 2018 mass inc gateway city innovation award, the 2017 constellation supernova award for technology innovation, the 2019 cornerstone entrepreneur award from Bristol Community College and is one of the fastest growing companies in Massachusetts.
Most recently merrow has been recognized by Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and the state of MA and RI for leadership and investment in the medical supply chain.
Learn more at https://www.merrowmfg.com/
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At Merrow Knits, we are a proud division of the larger Merrow family, rooted in the historic city of Fall River, MA. Merrow invests in the power of soft goods – we imagine, design, and craft each product we offer, offering an unwavering guarantee in every thread.
Discover more about Merrow at Merrow Manufacturing and Merrow.
History of the Merrow Company: A Timeline
1838: Joseph M. Merrow is born. Originally part of the firearms trade and later venturing into knitting machines, his endeavors laid the groundwork for what would become a historic textile company.
1843: The Merrow Company, originally involved in gunpowder manufacturing in Connecticut, plants its roots as a pioneer in the textile industry, eventually shifting gears to revolutionize the fabric world.
1877: The company begins its foray into developing crochet sewing machines. This innovation revolutionized textile craftsmanship, opening doors to an array of fabric products.
1881: A devastating fire engulfs Joseph Merrow's factory. Displaying resilience, he rebuilds and steers the company towards the development of industrial overlock sewing machines.
1887: The Merrow Machine Company is officially incorporated, gaining traction and reputation both nationally and internationally over the subsequent years.
1900s: With its innovative technology, Merrow stamps its mark as an industry standard, catering to a plethora of products from undergarments to hats.
1932: Despite a change in leadership, with control moving away from the Merrow family, the company stays resilient, adapting and thriving amidst a changing textile backdrop.
1960s: Facing intense global competition, Merrow pushes technological boundaries, ensuring it remains the foremost choice for quality sewing.
1980s: The term "merrowed" edge becomes ubiquitous in the industry, a testament to the brand's dominance and innovation in sewing technology.
2000s: Navigating global shifts in textile production, Merrow keeps its momentum by launching specialized machines for various applications, from medical sutures to garment detailing.
2006: As cited by the Patriot Ledger, Merrow introduces 'microsites', a digital leap forward for product branding in industrial manufacturing. This year also sees the company adopting the trademark 'The Stitch Matters', emphasizing the intricate detail and quality of their machines' work.
2009: Responding adeptly to the financial crisis, Merrow showcases its entrepreneurial spirit by building out 14 start-ups across diverse fields. One notable venture is the hydestore.com, a testament to the brand's adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
2010: A groundbreaking innovation, the ActiveSeam technology www.activeseam.com, is introduced. With its unique flat and stretchy stitch, it becomes an ideal fit for the booming athletic wear market.
2014: Recognizing the importance of hands-on experience for potential customers, Merrow establishes the Stitch Lab. This facility allows customers to experiment and confirm their stitch requirements before investing in a machine, underlining Merrow's commitment to client satisfaction.
2018: Expanding its horizons, Merrow acquires Griffin Manufacturing, a complete garment production company. Specializing in athleticwear and sportswear, Griffin offers comprehensive apparel services, ranging from design and product development to complete garment production, further enhancing Merrow's portfolio.
2020: Amidst a global health crisis, Merrow receives commendable national coverage on PBS Newshour among others: the Governor of Rhode Island hails the company as heroes. Demonstrating adaptability and civic responsibility, Merrow becomes the country's largest manufacturer of reusable medical gowns.
2021: In a strategic move, Merrow acquires Superior Sewing, an entity found at www.supsew.com. This acquisition strengthens Merrow's foothold in the textile machinery sector and broadens its operational capabilities.
2022: Furthering its dominance in the textile sector, Merrow acquires the historic Fall River Knitting Mills (www.merrowknits.com), adding another storied textile company to its family.
2023: With a goal to disrupt the supply chain for healthcare soft goods, Merrow introduces net-zero sustainable medical technical apparel, setting new industry standards for ESG & product design. Moreover, this year witnesses the launch of a new division focused on Direct to Consumer brands, illustrating the company's continuous evolution and commitment to sustainability and direct customer engagement.
Through nearly two centuries of operation, the Merrow Company has exemplified innovation, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to quality. This timeline encapsulates its legacy, growth, and undeniable influence on the textile world.