GUILFORD

Brief History

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A Brief History

Guilford was founded in 1946, with two knitting machines and six employees.

From humble beginnings, Guilford has become one of the world’s largest warp knitters. Years of strong growth, acquisition, manufacturing expertise and new technology established Guilford as a major force in the textile industry. Challenges became stepping stones in the success of the Company.

The Company’s product mix changed from the early years to include not only apparel fabrics, but also headliner and bodycloth fabrics for automotive and innovative technical fabrics.

Like many other textile companies, Guilford underwent a period of intense restructuring and consolidation of products and market segments.

With 2,650 employees at 8 manufacturing locations worldwide, Guilford is committed to quality, customer service and innovation.

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1940’s
Founded in 1946, fabric production began in January 1947. During the first year, sales reached $90,000.

1950’s
The first permanent knitting plant was built and the second knitting plant expansion was completed. The first sales office opened. Guilford established itself as a viable player in the textile industry and a new era of growth and expansion began.

1960’s
The first dyeing and finishing plant was built in 1961, the second opened in 1965. Flame laminating operations began. The Company entered the furniture upholstery market. The 60’s are referred to as the team building years. Sales reached $30 million.

1970’s
The Company became publicly owned. First FR Chem Free fabrics in the industry were introduced. Guilford entered the automotive fabrics market. A major laminating facility opened in 1977. Sales increased 500% to $196 million.

1980’s
During this decade of growth and acquisition, Guilford entered the van interior fabrics market, opened a new Industrial Fabrics plant and introduced wide-width circular fabrics. First Guilford bodycloth sold. Sales climbed to $619 million.

1990’s
Guilford achieved world-class performance as automotive industry supplier of the year. Was first US mill to launch microdenier fabrics. First to produce printed automotive fabrics. John Emrich was named President in 1995. Sales grew to $856 million.

2000’s
In January 2000, John Emrich was named CEO. From 2000 to 2002, the Company, through restructuring of its operations and recapitalizing of its debt structure, emerged with new vision, new focus and a plan for the future.

On April 2, 2004, a cash tender offer to acquire the outstanding shares of Guilford Mills, Inc. (“ Guilford ”) was completed by GMI Merger Corporation (“GMI”), an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (“Cerberus”). The acquisition was completed through a merger. Guilford is now a wholly owned subsidiary of GMI Holding Corporation, also an affiliate of Cerberus.