History | Milliken

MILLIKEN HISTORY

Curious minds create inspired solutions

From humble beginnings in 1865 as a general store to a global manufacturing leader today, we’ve never stopped evolving and innovating. We imagine a better world for our children, our communities, and our customers. And then we roll up our sleeves, work hard, and find ways to make things that may have once seemed impossible become possible. Curiosity sparked this company and continues to be the force that drives our quest for positive change.

TRANSFORMING FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

2018-Present

Milliken pivots in 2018 as it welcomes Halsey M. Cook, Jr. as President and CEO, marking a new period of transformation as the team rallies around its purpose: Together we strive to positively impact the world around us for generations to come.

2021
Ethisphere recognizes Milliken as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 15th consecutive year
2021
Partners with The Recycling Partnership and The Walmart Foundation to create the Center for Behavioral change, funded in part by the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation
2021
Acquires Encapsys, a leader in micro-encapsulation technology
2021
Launches M/Pact, making all Milliken flooring products around the globe carbon neutral
2021
R&D 100 recognizes Milliken with its 8th award for one of the top 100 global innovations
2020
Founds the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation
2020
Acquires Borchers, a global specialty chemicals company
2020
Joins The Recycling Partnership, a polypropylene recycling coalition to help ensure a circular future
2019
Creates the Healthcare operating division, following the acquisition of Andover Healthcare
2019
Acquires Polartec, a leading outdoor textile brand
2019
Signs the UN Global Pact, commiting to achieve 2025 sustainability goals and publishing 1st corporate sustainability report
2018
Names Halsey M. Cook, Jr. as President and CEO, the first non-associate and non-family member to serve in this role

RAISING THE BAR ON EXCELLENCE

1980-2017

Milliken’s passion to continuously raise the bar through innovative thinking is evident during this period with a strong focus on operational excellence and customer-centricity. The proof is in the results as the company becomes a recognized global manufacturing leader and a trusted partner.

2017
Inducted into the America’s Safest Companies Hall of Fame Milliken—a validation of longstanding commitment to safety
2014
Acquires Westex, strengthening capabilities to deliver the most innovative fabrics to the FR industry
2007
Launches new manufacturing consultancy business, Performance Solutions by Milliken
2007
Ethisphere recognizes Milliken as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the first time
1989
Wins the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award followed by the European Quality Award—two distinguishing recognitions of investment in operational excellence
1988
Invests in the future of its chemical business with new manufacturing facility in Blacksburg, South Carolina
1982
Showcases customer focus with opening of a new Customer Center at Spartanburg, South Carolina headquarters
1981
Launches Pursuit of Excellence (POE) program, a transformational shift focusing on customer satisfaction at all levels and locations throughout the company

THE COURAGE TO THINK BIG

1947-1979

Under the leadership of Roger Milliken, the company begins a long period of prosperity as Milliken’s team of curious minds envisions future success through research and technology innovation.

1973
Engineers Millitron®, the first, large-scale digital printer for carpet revolutionizing the industry
1971
Deering Milliken becomes Milliken & Company
1968
Acquires Calloway Mills, entering the carpet business
1965
Expands into Europe with the acquisition of operations and offices in England, France, and Belgium
1963
Acquires chemical operations, adding important future capability to product offerings
1958
Moves headquarters to Spartanburg, South Carolina to a state-of-the art facility that includes a dedicated research center
1947
Names Roger Milliken as President , succeeding his father and shifting the company from a selling agent to a manufacturer; beginning more than 60 years of leadership under Roger Milliken

INNOVATIONS IN TEXTILES

1920-1947

By the early 20th century, Milliken moved from an investor in textile mills to a manufacturer, bringing breakthrough innovations to the industry, pioneering synthetic fibers and revolutionizing textile production by rethinking the supply chain and manufacturing processes.

1945
Invests in innovation, founding the Milliken Research Corporation where one of the company’s most successful first innovations, Agilon, is created and redefines the future of women’s hosiery
1944
Builds the first textile mill with air cleaning and cooling to manufacture tire cord from nylon setting a new standard for manufacturing facility design
1939-1945
Creates demand during World War II for more durable textiles and leads the industry in the development of synthetics for the military
1927
Obtains first patent for adding wheels and reinforcements to a commercial laundry basket that enables greater operational efficiency, marking a watershed moment as the first of thousands of patents Milliken holds today

SPARKED BY CURIOSITY

1865-1920

It all began as a small endeavor, sparked by a desire to deliver solutions that serve customers with excellence and help communities prosper.

1920
Names Gerrish Milliken, Sr. as President, succeeding his father, and ushering in the second generation of family leadership of the company
1901
Develops first recycling policy, establishing the company’s commitment to sustainability-focused manufacturing
1884
Invests in a new textile manufacturing facility in Pacolet, South Carolina as well as more than 42 mills, helping develop the booming textile industry in the South
1868
Moves headquarters to its first location in New York City
1865
Seth M. Milliken, operator of a general store in Minot, Maine, partners with William Deering to open Deering Milliken—a woolen fabric distributor and sales agent for textile mills in Portland, Maine