The work that unites us

"As the holidays approach, and I walk through our historic mill in Faribault, Minnesota, I'm reminded of how much work matters-not just for what it produces, but for what it represents. At Faribault Mill, we make artisanal wool and cotton blankets the old-fashioned way: spinning, weaving, and finishing under one roof, much as we have since the company's founding in 1865. We also design, market, sell, and ship those same products directly to consumers across the country. In a world where most companies outsource one step or another, we do it all."

"That makes us one of the few fully vertically integrated manufacturers left in America, and it gives us a unique perspective on the value of work, across every discipline and title. In our company, "blue collar" and "white collar" aren't separate worlds; they're on the same team. The loom operator depends on the marketing manager. The salesperson depends on the sewers to make what we promise. And the shipping team depends on both to ensure every order arrives on time."

Faribault Mill produces artisanal wool and cotton blankets using spinning, weaving, and finishing under one roof, maintaining production methods dating to 1865. The operation also designs, markets, sells, and ships products directly to consumers nationwide, keeping the entire value chain in-house. Vertical integration preserves craftsmanship while enabling control over quality and delivery. Roles across disciplines are interdependent: loom operators, sewers, marketing, sales, and shipping rely on each other to meet promises and deadlines. Framing work as opposed camps undermines mutual interests; supporting both employees and employers strengthens outcomes for businesses and workers alike.

Read at Fast Company