Woolrich head: Merger will bring growth to Pennsylvania town
WOOLRICH (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Woolrich Inc., the oldest manufacturer of outdoor wear in the United States, has merged with its European partner and will be headquartered in London.
However, Woolrich’s president Nicholas Brayton tells Pennlive.com the merger with Italy’s W.P. Lavori in Corso will bring more jobs, mill renovations and development of company-owned land near the Pennsylvania mill.
Family-owned Woolrich’s roots go back to 1830, when John Rich founded the company to make fabric for wives of hunters, loggers and trappers. The company’s blankets kept troops warm during the Civil War and its outfits went on Antarctica expeditions led by Adm. Richard E. Byrd.
The two companies say the merger, approved Wednesday, will enable Woolrich to grow globally.
Brayton says there are plans to invest in the 3,500 acres Woolrich owns, possibly creating hiking trails, fishing and other outdoor activities to make the town “a destination.”