Greenwood Mills history

1908: James C. Self invests in Draper looms – the best technology available at the time.

By 1916 the company's financial stability had reached a point where it was able to purchase new Draper looms, build a nearby church for its workers, begin a night shift, and count over 250 employees on its payroll.

1921: Even in the wake of World War I, Greenwood Mills continues to expand.

1930: Greenwood Mills doubles its capacity after purchasing Grendel Mill No.

By 1935 the company was operating three shifts per day, and Self was able to purchase all of Greenwood's stock, thereby becoming its sole owner.

1941: At the onset of American involvement in World War II, Greenwood Mills becomes the only mill capable of producing military-grade poplin.

1942: Mathews Plant produces more than 40 million yards of military-grade poplin.

1946: Greenwood Mills, Inc., founded a selling house for the mills’ products.

Born in Royston, Georgia on April 15th, 1947, to Ninety-Six natives, Burton grew up on the farm owned by his family.

In 1953 he supervised the last plant built under his leadership of the company, the Durst facility.

In 1955 James C. Self died and was succeeded as president by his son, Jim Self, who immediately embarked upon an aggressive expansion strategy.

Beginning in 1960, Greenwood Mills added eight plants in less than eight years.

In 1962 the company built the Adams plant, also located at the Ninety Six facility.

In 1965, for the first time, Greenwood Mills acquired a company outside the immediate location of Greenwood, South Carolina.

In 1968 the company acquired Fabric Services, a Orangeburg, South Carolina, operation owned by Monsanto Company.

In 1972 the company opened a marketing office in London, England, in order to regularly assess the European textile industry.

In 1973 Greenwood Mills purchased the Edisto plant in Orangeburg.

In October 1979, a barge loaded with 2,360 bales of cotton departed Pine Bluff and arrived in Chattanooga 25 days later.

Indeed, in 1980 Greenwood Mills proudly reported that nearly 20 percent of all its employees had worked for the company more than 25 years.

1984: Greenwood Mills enters the denim fabric business with the purchase of Liberty Manufacturing and Lindale Manufacturing.

1986: In recognition of his leadership, business acumen, and pivotal role in the economy of his state, James C. Self is inducted posthumously into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame.

1987: Greenwood Mills purchases Cookeville Uniform/Aquatech, Greenwood’s first foray into garment processing.

1989: During its centennial celebration, Greenwood Mills becomes the largest greige goods producer in the United States.

1992: As globalization brings buyers and sellers closer together, Greenwood Mills opens a sales office and warehouse in Hong Kong.

With the backing of the federal government, Greenwood Mills adhered to its original plan of constructing a new plant in Pakistan. As a result of the increasing competition from foreign textile companies, in 1993 management at Greenwood Mills decided to build a clothing facility overseas.

1994: Greenwood Mills launches SingleSource Apparel, one of the largest non-branded denim apparel manufacturers.

A tragic automobile accident in May 1995, however, resulted in the death of James C. Self Jr., and Matt Self was named president.