Our Story
Over a century of American textile heritage.
From the looms of 1889 to the premium denim of today.
The Foundation
Greenwood Mills
Greenwood Cotton Mills was founded in 1889 by William L. Durst and John K. Durst in Greenwood, South Carolina. In 1908, James C. Self, a young bank cashier, became president and transformed a debt-ridden mill into one of the largest privately held textile empires in America.
For more than a century, Greenwood Mills operated textile mills specializing in woven fabrics for the apparel industry, home furnishings, industrial applications, military uniforms, and protective clothing. The company has been known for its consistent values, high quality, and unparalleled service, cornerstones established by James C. Self. The company remains privately held by the Self family.
In 1979, Levi Strauss ranked Greenwood Mills number one in quality, service, and delivery. In 1984, the company entered the denim business through strategic acquisitions, setting the stage for SingleSource Apparel.
Milestones
Our Journey
Greenwood Cotton Mills Founded
William L. Durst and John K. Durst establish Greenwood Cotton Mills with 2,500 spindles, 84 looms, and 75 employees in Greenwood, South Carolina.
James C. Self Takes the Helm
A 31-year-old bank cashier becomes president, investing in advanced Draper looms and initiating the modernization that would transform a debt-ridden mill into a textile powerhouse.
Self Becomes Sole Owner
Through the Great Depression, James C. Self acquires full ownership. Mills run three shifts daily. The company remains privately held by the Self family to this day.
Recognized for Excellence
Levi Strauss ranks Greenwood Mills number one in quality, service, and delivery among all its fabric suppliers.
Enters the Denim Business
Greenwood Mills acquires Liberty Manufacturing and Lindale Manufacturing, marking its entry into denim production.
Centennial Year
Greenwood Mills celebrates 100 years of operation with 17 plants and approximately $400 million in annual sales.
SingleSource Apparel Born
SSA is formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Greenwood Mills, Inc., bringing full-package, turn-key manufacturing to America's most prominent apparel brands.
Continuing the Legacy
SSA is recognized as one of the largest non-branded apparel manufacturers, carrying forward over 135 years of textile heritage with the same values of quality and integrity.
Our Infrastructure
Built to perform at scale.
SSA's organizational infrastructure is unique. We operate with a “team” approach that values accomplishing the mission over protecting silos. Our senior directors ensure staff is cross-trained both within and across departments.
Our network of manufacturing plants comprises both owned and operated facilities and long-term captive contractors. This creates an incredibly lean and efficient organization.
“At the end of the day, we want our customers to think of us as their internal operations, sourcing, and manufacturing departments.”
What Drives Us
Our Principles
Partnership
We are only interested in long-term associations where we provide stability and continuity.
Integrity
Fair dealings with customers, manufacturing partners, vendors, and associates. Always.
Quality
Our record of compliance with employment and environmental standards is virtually unmatched.
Write the next chapter with us.
Join the brands that trust SingleSource Apparel with their most important product: their name.
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