Milliken & Co.

Milliken & Co. stands as a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers breakthrough solutions across multiple industries. Under the leadership of President and CEO Halsey Cook, the Spartanburg-based company employs 7,000 people worldwide and continues building on a legacy that began 160 years ago.

Founded in 1865, Milliken traces its roots to Seth Milliken, who started with a general store in Maine before transitioning into textile wholesaling. Milliken focused on optimizing the flow of goods between retailers and manufacturers, eventually investing in textile manufacturing sites for better supply chain control. Recognizing early concerns about resource consumption, the company formalized its first recycling policy in 1901, establishing a commitment to sustainable practices that remains central today.

The company’s growth trajectory includes several pivotal milestones. Milliken invested in its first textile mill in 1884 and expanded internationally in 1928. The 1950s marked significant diversification as the company entered the chemical industry, invented its first synthetic molecule and moved its headquarters to Spartanburg. The 1960s brought entry into the flooring business, followed by the engineering of Millitron, the first large-scale digital printer for carpet, in 1973.

More recent developments include launching a manufacturing consultancy business in 2007 and acquiring Polartec, the leading outdoor textile brand, in 2019. These strategic moves reflect Milliken’s continued adaptation to industry changes and market demands.

Today, Milliken operates across four main business units: textiles, chemicals, flooring and healthcare. This diversification strategy ensures resilience across markets while the company maintains its competitive edge through continuous investment in research and development. Core values of integrity, excellence, people, sustainability and innovation drive every aspect of operations, from environmental stewardship to cutting-edge solution development.

Community engagement plays an integral role in Milliken’s business strategy. Through the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation, the company actively invests in communities where associates live and work, supporting volunteer programs, educational initiatives and local partnerships. The company’s sustainability commitment includes setting science-based targets and providing transparent annual progress reports.

Milliken’s workplace culture emphasizes collaboration, encouraging associates to think creatively and drive change. The focus on continuous learning and development keeps the team agile and forward-thinking, contributing significantly to the company’s longevity and success.

Located in Spartanburg, Milliken continues advancing materials science while maintaining the sustainable practices and innovative spirit that have defined the company for more than a century and a half.