History of Jefferson Yarns Inc.

Jefferson Yarns, Inc. began in 1898 as Kahn and Feldman, Inc., a throwster of silk yarns in Brooklyn, NY. In 1938, a decision was made to move south and they eventually settled in Pulaski, Virginia with the formation of Jefferson Mills. Jefferson Mills went through several transformations and subsequent owners allowing for expansion and modernization. These included tying in with Virginia Iron Coal and Coke which allowed for an expansion in 1962 and then combining with Bates Manufacturing in 1964 allowing for the construction of the Hill Plant which became the primary texturing plant in Pulaski. In 1969, the Williamston, North Carolina plant was opened as a state of the art texturing plant. Sadly due to economic conditions in 1976, this plant was closed and sold. Also that year, another ownership group took over and managed the company until 1991. At that time, the company was purchased by individuals closely associated with the company. Two were in Pulaski and four in Charlotte, NC. With this ownership group, Jefferson Mills enjoyed significant growth and modernization. But then in the late 1990’s business conditions deteriorated for the entire textile industry. Jefferson suffered as well. With a number of setbacks, Jefferson Mills struggled to remain viable but with a strong customer base and support, was able to continue doing business.