West Point Integrated Technologies history

In 1890, West Point was larger than ever, having acquired a new mill and in the process of constructing another.

In 1906, Lafayette Lanier's son George stepped in to help his ailing father steer the company.

George Lanier had brought with him experience in the manufacturing of towels, and so, in 1916, the Fairfax mill was established for this purpose.

In 1925, Pepperell began construction on its first Southern mill--the Opelika Mill in Alabama.

In 1930 Pepperell purchased Granite Mills, a producer of fine-combed cotton goods.

Local businessman Amos Huguley purchased the original business in 1931 and immediately began to expand its capabilities by developing a machinery product line for the textile industry.

By 1941, sales volume for Cluett products topped the $30 million mark and Cluett began to look to the South for expansion.

In 1945 West Point purchased the Boston agency that had helped refinance it after the fire in its mills.

In 1968, WPP launched a $16 million program to expand and modernize.

Alamac Knitting Mills, Inc. and American Rug and Carpet Company were purchased by 1969.

In 1971, J. L. Lanier, Sr., retired as chair and chief executive officer.

Georgian Carpets was established in 1976.

Economic uncertainties and high interest rates caused a slight drop in sales that year; sales continued to dip slightly in 1982, but net income was up that year.

Advanced Fabrics, Inc. of Georgia was purchased in 1983.

He acquired Fruit of the Loom as part of his 1985 purchase of conglomerate Northwest Industries, Inc.--a billion-dollar acquisition he pulled off with the help of emerging junk-bond specialist, Drexel.

The company's international division bloomed in 1986 with the purchase of London-based Arthur Sanderson & Son Limited, marketers of decorative furnishing fabrics, wall coverings, and specialty carpets, with operations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Through the ad hoc entity, West Point Acquisition Corporation, Farley purchased 95 percent of WPP's stock at 20 times the company's 1988 earnings, planning to sell $1.6 billion in junk bonds to repay debt and buy the remaining public shares.

In the fall of 1992, West Point Acquisition had been restructured and renamed Valley Fashions Corporation.

A new president and chief executive officer was announced in February 1993.