Posted April 22, 2015
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Cone Denim’s White Oak plant is celebrating 110 years of denim culture and manufacturing heritage this month.
In 1905 brothers Moses and Ceasar Cone embarked on what would become an icon in the denim industry, a mill called White Oak. The turn of the century brought a new energy and excitement to America, and denim gained in popularity as a favored “workwear.” The first bobbin of yarn was produced at the White Oak plant on April 20, 1905. Since that time the plant has exclusively produced denim fabric becoming a premium recognized global brand.
110 YEARS
Cone Denim’s White Oak Plant celebrates milestone
Commemorative T-shirts offered to support company's philanthropic efforts
White Oak weave room, circa 1909
Current weave room operations
“White Oak earned its place in denim history more than any other single textile operation, and today it is synonymous with denim innovation and heritage,” said Kara Nicholas, vice president of product develop and marketing. “Known from the beginning as an innovator, White Oak is the birthplace of long chain indigo dyeing, denim sanforization and Cone’s Deeptone Denim, introduced in 1936. This heritage lives on in White Oak’s re-creation of vintage selvage denim, fashioned after the constructions of the early 1900s and woven today on American Draper X-3 fly shuttle looms as well as White Oak’s R&D Center that supports Cone Denim’s global network of mills.
Today, denim innovation begins at White Oak with modern, innovative product development that redefines contemporary denims with new sustainable and performance characteristics. Innovations include the Sustainblue™ collection of sustainable denims as well as Cone Denim’s evolving line of performance denims offering strength, high-performance stretch, moisture management and blends and treatments not traditionally available in denim.
First denim woven at White Oak in 1905
Commemorative T-shirts
In honor of White Oak, Cone Denim has created the 110 Anniversary commemorative T-shirt in recognition of White Oak’s unique place in denim history. In the same spirit of the Cone Brother’s tremendous spirit of community and philanthropy, Cone Denim is proud to support the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greensboro by donating 100 percent of the profits from the sale of each shirt.
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and fun place for kids to learn and grow. Afterschool and summer programs focus on academic success and character development while instilling a sense of competence, usefulness and belonging in each of its club members.
Visit www.conedenim.com to learn more about Cone Denim, the White Oak mill, and order a commemorative T-shirt.
Source: Cone Mills