Nester Hosiery, a prominent local sock manufacturer, has significantly expanded its operations through the strategic acquisition of Fox River Mills, a move poised to inject substantial economic growth into Mount Airy, North Carolina. This landmark business acquisition will result in the relocation of Fox River’s manufacturing assets to Nester Hosiery’s existing facility, bringing with it the promise of up to 50 new Mount Airy jobs and bolstering the local economy.
The transaction involves Nester Hosiery securing the majority of assets from Fox River Mills, an esteemed heritage sock manufacturer based in Osage, Iowa, widely recognized for its long-standing service to the military. This strategic move strengthens Nester Hosiery’s position within the textile industry and expands its diversified product portfolio.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Fox River Mills will progressively cease its production activities in Osage, Iowa. Its extensive manufacturing assets are slated for relocation to Nester Hosiery’s main headquarters in Mount Airy, North Carolina, consolidating operations and enhancing efficiency at the local site.
This expansion is directly linked to “Project Freedom,” an initiative that saw Nester Hosiery secure critical incentives from both Mount Airy and Surry County officials. These incentives are specifically earmarked to support the comprehensive upfitting of Nester Hosiery’s current facility and the integration of new machinery acquired through the Fox River Mills asset purchase, underscoring significant economic development for the region.
Beyond the facility enhancements, Nester Hosiery is committed to a substantial capital investment of $3.2 million for the expansion. This commitment underscores the scale of the relocation and its positive impact on local employment. Currently employing approximately 150 individuals, the company anticipates the creation of up to 50 additional jobs in Mount Airy, a direct consequence of the Fox River Mills integration.
In a forward-looking step, Nester Hosiery plans to establish a new product development and customer service center in Osage, Iowa. This initiative aims to provide continued employment opportunities for former Fox River employees while ensuring seamless continuity for existing customers and retail partners. Furthermore, Nester Hosiery intends to retain the majority of Fox River’s sales, marketing, and design staff, significantly expanding its brand and product portfolio and reinforcing its standing in sock manufacturing.
Nester Hosiery is widely celebrated for its high-performance Farm to Feet sock line, a brand synonymous with outdoor enthusiasts and a testament to its commitment to being entirely American-made. The business acquisition will see Nester Hosiery integrate Fox River, Pistil, and Anywear Essentials brands into its existing array of socks and accessories, which also includes various private label and licensed offerings. This diverse range now includes the venerable Fox River Mills, a brand with a strong legacy of producing high-quality socks for U.S. military service members, a tradition Nester Hosiery is proud to uphold as an established supplier to the U.S. government.
To ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service, the teams from Nester Hosiery and Fox River are collaborating closely. This collaborative effort is focused on maintaining on-time delivery of products to all Fox River customers throughout the transitional period, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery, expressed enthusiasm for this transformative phase, stating, “This is an exciting new chapter for Nester Hosiery and a meaningful step forward for the Fox River legacy.” The acquisition not only signifies growth for Nester Hosiery but also preserves the heritage and expertise of Fox River Mills, creating a stronger, more diversified entity in the American sock industry.
