Becoming the biggest textiles manufacturer has never been a goal at Harriss & Covington.
Being the best at what we do — sewing high-quality performance socks — is our only aim. In that pursuit, our medium-sized operation delivers every day for some of the world’s leading brands. And we’ve been doing it for more than 100 years. We think that says a lot about who we are and our approach to designing, sampling and manufacturing the very best socks.
Harriss & Covington operates in the same town where it began, and the same family that started the company in 1920 is still at the helm. More than a great made-in-America story, it’s an important strategic advantage for the leading brands served by Harriss & Covington.
How did Harriss & Covington fend off the globalization that shuttered so many U.S. manufacturers? Investment in advanced technology, strategic alliances with fiber producers and textile innovators, and uncompromising focus on superior products.
Saying it is one thing. Making the operational sacrifices to put the customer first is another. At Harriss & Covington, astute R&D, shortened lead times and seamless customer communications are embedded in our business model.
We’re always open to meeting a new customer. A conversation is a good place to start. We can also get right down to business on what you’re working on. Your call.
“Here we are after all this time and Harriss & Covington still finds ways to surprise us. They are always pushing the envelope, and of course at Smartwool we do, too. We ask, ‘Can you do this?’ And they never say no. They’re a one-stop shop with incredible people.”
“The timing was good and we felt a connection right from the start, Harriss & Covington being a family business like ours. Secondly, we think alike in terms of the partnership model. We both take the long-term view. Not just an order here or there.”
“From the first meeting with Harriss & Covington, I knew there was something special about these guys. It was a like-minded business, similar in size and goals, and I always look for that. If you’re not matched up there, it won’t work. A huge company has different goals than ours, and one that is too small may not have the expertise or be able to stretch or change direction or go really fast when you need to.”
In North Carolina, once a booming textiles and apparel hub, there are signs of struggle — and life.
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During a time of uncertainty and change two companies created a partnership to produce masks.
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We have a diverse bank of single cylinder and double cylinder jacquard knitting equipment. Our core focus is single cylinder, and our machines span 108n to 200n with the vast majority being 144n. Our double cylinder machines are 144n. Over the past several years, Harriss & Covington has made significant investments in state-of-the-art knitting machines with toe closure. Nearly all our equipment is selective terry capable, allowing us to add targeted cushioning in select zones for specific applications and activities.
“We were looking for a partnership. Additionally, when I toured the facility and met the people, I got the sense of a company that wanted to innovate, they wanted to explore, they were interested in a challenge.”
John Ramsey, Smartwool®
Fully automated, microprocessor-controlled dye equipment ensures consistency and range from smaller sample machines up to 400-pound production machinery. Dryers are also fully automated.
“The timing was good and we felt a connection right from the start, Harriss & Covington being a family business like ours. Secondly, we think alike in terms of the partnership model. We both take the long-term view. Not just an order here or there.”
Joe & John Gaither, Feetures
Combining electric heat and steam applications ensures the very best layout dimensions as specified by our customers. Every sock — children to men’s extra large sizes — is inspected post-boarding for proper size, fit, about dimensions, shade consistency and any detectable defect.
“The spirit of innovative thinking is on both sides. We go to them, they come to us. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for us and our business. They have allowed us to innovate and that is how we stay ahead of a very competitive marketplace.”
John Ramsey, Smartwool®
Unlike traditional textile printing methods such as heat transfer or dye sublimation, DTG printing uses specialized ink in order to print directly onto the garment giving the company the ability to print more specialized artwork, smaller runs and more customizations for customers.
“From the first meeting with Harriss & Covington, I knew there was something special about these guys. It was a like-minded business, similar in size and goals, and I always look for that. If you’re not matched up there, it won’t work. A huge company has different goals than ours, and one that is too small may not have the expertise or be able to stretch or change direction or go really fast when you need to.”
Justin Cleveland, Allbirds
High-volume multiple packs, specialized hanger packs, cardboard inserts, swiftachs, automated bagging lines, sole transfer — our packaging and folding department is equipped and experienced in every demand.
“Here we are after all this time, and Harriss & Covington still finds ways to surprise us. They are always pushing the envelope, and of course at Smartwool we do, too. We ask, ‘Can you do this?’ And they never say no.”
John Ramsey, Smartwool®
Error-free shipping and distribution to thousands of customer-specific destinations from our state-of-the-art warehouse. The latest computerized barcoding and check-weighing technologies track and monitor made-to-order, on-demand, case stock, pick-pack orders from shelf stock and case shipments that include all types of in-store displays.
“The timing was good and we felt a connection right from the start, Harriss & Covington being a family business like ours. Secondly, we think alike in terms of the partnership model. We both take the long-term view. Not just an order here or there.”
Joe & John Gaither, Feetures
More than 150 years of collective experience fuels an R&D department outfitted with the latest CAD systems. Whether it’s developing new and exciting products or executing quick tuns on samples, Harriss & Covington’s R&D delivers for our customers.
“The spirit of innovative thinking is on both sides. We go to them, they come to us. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for us and our business. They have allowed us to innovate and that is how we stay ahead of a very competitive marketplace.”
John Ramsey, Smartwool®
Comprehensive, military-standard methodology audits quality at every stage of manufacturing, applying a pass/fail at every point through the process. For nearly a century, Harriss & Covington’s reputation for quality has been unsurpassed.
“From the first meeting with Harriss & Covington, I knew there was something special about these guys. It was a like-minded business, similar in size and goals, and I always look for that. If you’re not matched up there, it won’t work. A huge company has different goals than ours, and one that is too small may not have the expertise or be able to stretch or change direction or go really fast when you need to.”
Justin Cleveland, Allbirds
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