By a Thread

How family-run springs industries toughs it out in the brutal textile game

"People are always surprised to learn that we still make anything here in the U.S.," says Springs Industries CEO Crandall Bowles. The largest home-furnishings company in North America, Springs and its 14,000 employees crank out bedding and bath products, rugs and window coverings in 30 manufacturing facilities in 13 states, Canada and Mexico. Its brand names and licenses--including Wamsutta, Springmaid, Ultrasuede, Kate Spade and NASCAR--produce annual revenues of $3 billion. Springs is proof positive that U.S. textile manufacturing is very much alive. But it would be a stretch to say it's well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S....

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