Bloomberg Businessweek Faribault Mill's Commitment to American Manufacturing
Oct 22, 2025
Ross Widmoyer, the President and CEO of Faribault Mill, shares insights from his company’s 160-year legacy in American manufacturing. He highlights how Faribault remains competitive amidst industry challenges through investments in automation and direct-to-consumer sales. Ross discusses the importance of vocational training for a skilled workforce and elaborates on how unique product lines, like city maps, drive revenue growth. He also addresses the balance of quality and costs in U.S. production, promoting a sustainable future for the industry.
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Heritage Meets Modernization
- Faribault Mill's 160-year history gives it proven product credibility that supports growth.
- Modernizing equipment and investing in the plant accelerated momentum and product development.
Use Automation To Boost Scale And Wages
- Invest in automation to increase output and lower unit costs while retaining and growing jobs.
- Reinvest efficiency gains into lower consumer prices and higher worker wages to build brand trust.
Pivot From Contract To Direct Sales
- Faribault pivoted from long-run contracts to nimble direct-to-consumer merchandising and partnerships.
- The company still supplies military blankets and has new five-year Army and Navy contracts.