Where Old World Skill Meets Modern Innovation

Nestled along the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, Minnesota, Faribault Mill stands as a rare and enduring icon of American craftsmanship. Founded in 1865 by German immigrant Carl Henry Klemer, the mill quickly became a cornerstone of textile production in the Upper Midwest.

Harnessing the power of the river and sourcing wool from nearby sheep farms, Klemer and his team created blankets that met the harsh demands of Minnesota winters. By the early 20th century, Faribault Mill was not only producing blankets for American homesteads—it was also supporting the U.S. military through two World Wars. Supplying durable, comforting wool blankets to troops on the front lines, the mill became woven into the very fabric of the nation's history.

These military blankets were more than just supplies—they became cherished heirlooms. Passed down through generations of service members’ families, they carried stories of resilience, sacrifice, and warmth from a distant battlefield or barracks. As Rick Dow, Chief Marketing Officer of Faribault Mill, reflects, “Our connection to the history of the fabric of the military is so special. These blankets hold sentimental memories of keeping them warm and comfortable while away from home on the front lines.” That powerful legacy continues to influence every thread spun and woven at the mill today.

Yet, Faribault Mill’s journey hasn't been without hardship. After falling into decline, the historic mill shut its doors in the early 2000s. But in 2011, it was resurrected—not just as a business, but as a mission. The rebirth of Faribault Mill was driven by the surrounding community, where former workers and their families stepped forward, sharing skills and stories that would help restore the machines and the soul of the operation. It was, as Dow explains, a grassroots resurrection: “It literally was about knocking on neighborhood doors… and we give so much credit to members of the community who stepped in and helped us in those early days.”

Now in its 160th year, Faribault Mill stands tall as one of only two vertically integrated mills left in the United States. It continues to produce heirloom-quality goods with an unshakable commitment to American-made craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and community investment. In this exclusive interview, Rick Dow walks us through the company’s storied past, its revival, and the exciting future of a brand that has never stopped weaving warmth into every product it makes.

Palomino County: Faribault Mill has roots dating back to 1865—can you walk us through how it all began?

Rick Dow: Faribault Mill was founded by Carl Henry Klemer, a German immigrant who saw a need for warm, durable wool products in Minnesota’s frigid climate. He used the nearby Cannon River to power the original mill and sourced wool from local sheep farms. The business grew quickly, becoming a regional powerhouse in woolen textiles. During World War I and World War II, we supplied the U.S. military with blankets, building our reputation for quality and durability.

PC: What does that military connection mean to the brand today?

RD: It’s incredibly special. We still hear from veterans and families who’ve held onto their Faribault Mill military blankets for decades. These aren’t just products—they’re part of people’s lives and memories. Veterans remember them from barracks, tents, even foxholes. That legacy of comfort and reliability drives us to this day.

PC: How does Faribault Mill maintain traditional craftsmanship while evolving with modern demands?

RD: Much of our process is unchanged—we still use machines and methods from the early 1900s. But since the mill’s reopening, we’ve added new machines that help us produce more efficiently without compromising quality. It’s a balance of old-world skill and modern innovation.

PC: The company shut down for a time—what brought it back in 2011?

RD: When the Mill reopened, it became clear that the key to unlocking future success was going to be the people of Faribault, Minnesota. We needed skilled workers who were familiar with the Mill. So, we knocked on doors, asked around—did anyone work here before? Did they know how to fix the machines? The community stepped up in an incredible way. Their knowledge and dedication made the revival possible.

PC: What were some challenges during that revitalization?

RD: Rebuilding a skilled workforce was the biggest hurdle. It takes years to master some of these machines. But we’ve created an environment where people can build lifelong careers and earn a living wage. That’s something we’re very proud of.

PC: Why is being “Made in America” still vital to Faribault Mill?

RD: In short, it’s who we are. Consumers come to us expecting that authenticity. We’ve figured out how to make it work by keeping our manufacturing in Minnesota and Maine which means maintaining high standards. There’s this idea that consumers don’t care about products being “Made in America”—but if they have the choice they will absolutely make it—because it stands for quality, tradition, and job creation. Yes, our products might cost a bit more, but you get heirloom-level craftsmanship. People recognize the value in that.

PC: How does the company support local economies?

RD: We hire locally, which means more job opportunities in our communities. We also sell thousands of pounds of remnant fabric to local artisans—so we’re not only creating jobs, we’re supporting other creators who are building off our materials.

PC: What new products are you most excited about?

RD: We’ve launched bed sheets and a new eco-friendly blanket made from recycled cotton and wool under our North Star line. It’s priced under $100 and aligns with our sustainability goals. We’ve also dropped prices on some bestsellers, making our classics more accessible.

PC: How do you balance heritage with modern design trends?

RD: We honor our heritage with designs that have been around for decades—some over a century! But we’re also attuned to trends. We release 30 to 40 new products every year in updated colors and styles to stay fresh and relevant.

PC: What makes your blankets built to last for generations?

RD: Each blanket goes through 22 steps before it’s ready to ship: from raw material selection to the final finishing. That attention to detail, combined with quality materials, is what makes them heirloom-worthy.

PC: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for Faribault Mill?

RD: Sustainability will remain a core focus. We’re exploring more sleep-related products that use all-natural fibers. We envision a full ecosystem of bedding that promotes healthy, natural rest. And we’ll continue evolving while staying rooted in our values.

PC: For someone experiencing a Faribault Mill product for the first time, what do you hope they feel?

RD: We want our customers to feel comfort, immediately. That first touch should convey the difference. It’s not just softness; it’s substance. There’s a sense of history and quality you can feel. We’ve been doing this for 160 years, and that expertise is woven into every piece.

PC: Are there any exciting collaborations we should know about?

RD: We have several “new and noteworthy” collaborations, and it’s been really fun to watch them come to life. A few include Coach, Banana Republic, Coyuchi, Fanatics, and even Supreme. And there are more coming soon—so we will make sure your readers are the first to know.

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To learn more about Faribault Mill and to shop for their handcrafted American-made blankets, throws, and apparel, visit www.faribaultmill.com.