Farm to Feet parent Nester Hosiery, LLC has acquired the majority of the assets of Fox River Mills, a heritage sock manufacturer based in Osage, IA.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Following the close of the transaction, Fox River Mills will wind down Osage production, relocating manufacturing assets to Nester’s Mount Airy, NC headquarters. Nester and Fox River teams aim to ensure on-time delivery to Fox River customers during the transition.
To provide opportunities for former Fox River employees and ensure continuity for customers and retail partners, Nester Hosiery plans to open a new product development and customer service center in Osage. The company also intends to employ most of Fox River’s sales, marketing and design staff as Nester Hosiery expands its brand and product portfolio.
“Fox River Mills has long been a highly respected brand in American sock manufacturing, with deep technical expertise and a robust customer base,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery. “By acquiring its assets and welcoming many of its team members, we are expanding our domestic production capabilities and preserving important industry knowledge and relationships that align with our commitment to U.S. manufacturing.”
Nester Hosiery will integrate the Fox River, Pistil and Anywear Essentials brands into its lineup of socks and accessories, which includes its Farm to Feet brand and other private label and licensed offerings.
Fox River Mills has a strong legacy of producing socks for U.S. military service members, which Nester Hosiery will continue with the acquisition.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Nester Hosiery and a meaningful step forward for the Fox River legacy,” Nester added. “We are grateful to the Fox River team and the Osage community for their collaboration and are committed to building on that foundation with integrity, innovation, and a continued focus on U.S.-made excellence.”
Nester Hosiery is a U.S. manufacturer of performance merino wool socks. The company produces products under the Farm to Feet brand and supports major retailers and outdoor brands through licensing, private label, and OEM programs, operating as a vertically integrated business.
Image courtesy Nester Hosiery
