Our story
Industry | 1932-69
Homespun beginnings
In 1932, during the prime of a bustling textile industry in the Southeastern United States, Tom Oates founded Manual Woodworkers and Weavers (MWW). The privately owned company, nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, quickly established itself as an innovative force in the gift and decorative accessories industry.
Early enterprise
Tom Oates crafted wood carvings by hand, selling them alongside locally-sourced products in The Manual Woodworkers shop and on the road. Tom’s carvings were made from mountain laurel and featured the names of national parks.
Growth | 1970-2007
The second generation
When Lemuel and Sandra Oates took over in the early 1970s, the company was enjoying year-over-year demand and growth. They gave up successful independent careers in manufacturing production control and government security, respectively, to take over MWW. At that time, the company generated most of its profits during the early part of the year. Sandra and Lemuel spotted an opportunity to balance the calendar and expanded into the gift industry with great success.
Imports and gifts
With an innate understanding of what people wanted to put in their homes, Lemuel and Sandra’s home decor imports took off. Country style was trending in the 1980s, and MWW offered products that became nationwide hits, such as braided rugs and woven blankets with quilting designs. Business was thriving, and stock sometimes sold out in moments!
Staying local
Sock rugs were major sellers in the 1980s and 1990s. People wove the rugs on shuttle looms using repurposed sock clippings. Every Monday through Thursday, local makers wove rugs, while sales and shipments were handled at company headquarters. On Fridays, people dropped off their finished rugs, picked up their payment, and loaded new supplies for the following week.
Innovation | 2008-22
Synergy
Travis Oates and Molly Oates Sherrill, third-generation co-owners, rebranded the family business under the umbrella of MWW Inc. What was previously known as MWW became Manual, the gift division of MWW Inc. With the same entrepreneurial spirit of their parents and grandparents before them, Molly and Travis saw a need for a manufacturing and distribution-related third party fulfillment service, while maintaining MWW Inc’s continued focus on high quality and personalized service.
MWW On Demand
MWW On Demand, a division of MWW Inc., is the proud American leader of the textile and custom printing industry. In alignment with MWW Inc.’s tradition of identifying new opportunities to create quality products, current technologies drive MWW On Demand, investing in technology and innovation. MWW’s utilization of On Demand and Woven On Demand manufacturing illustrates the fusion of technology and marketing, anchored by local manufacturing roots.
Distribution Center
90 Years
In October of 2022, MWW Inc celebrated its 90th anniversary in business. Since the company’s inception in 1932, MWW Inc has evolved from its humble beginnings as a cottage industry manufacturer of handmade gifts and accessories to a leading global manufacturer and distributor of on demand textile products and goods. Today we look back with pride at nearly a century of innovation and demonstrated success in the textiles industry, and look forward to the next 90 years of growth and achievement.