People: Sep. 29, 1997

GOOD OLD FACTORY VALUES

AARON FEUERSTEIN is the George Bailey of the industrialist set. And just as in It's a Wonderful Life, it looks as if it has all worked out swimmingly for the factory owner. When fire gutted Malden Mills in December 1995, Feuerstein decided to rebuild his mill right in Massachusetts, instead of moving it to a cheap labor haven like Mexico or taking the insurance payout and retiring. What's more, he kept all 2,700 staff on the payroll for three months and paid their health insurance for three more. It took nearly two years and an understanding banker,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!