[at-l] I'm back, Malden Mills

[gaudet@mediaone.net (Arthur Gaudet)]

I've been off list for 2 months and today's local NPR news item 
prompted me to let the list know about something.

Malden Mills, the makers of Polartec, last month went chapter 11, and 
filed for bankruptcy. This is a Lawrence, MA company that locally did 
a terrific thing for it's workers. In 1995, a fire wiped out nearly 
the entire facilties. The owner, Aaron Feuerstein, continued to pay 
his employees health benefits (and some say continued to pay 
salaries) while the site was cleared and a new factory was created.

This work project was the first construction of a Mill in 
Massachusetts in over 100 years! Evidently the cost was too much, and 
along with the downturn in the economy Feuerstein felt it necessary 
to file chapter 11. This is in spite of a governmental contract in 
November awarding them $20 M for fleece.

The radio article this morning, revisited many of the facts above, 
and then asked for those who wish to support Malden Mills to visit 
their website, to e-sign a pledge that you will buy something made of 
Polartec in the coming year. If you make the effort you get a nice 
email note from Feuerstein thanking you for the effort.

Here's the link: 
http://www.maldenmills.com/02_polartec/02_06_whatsnew/index.html

It's a nice way to support an environmentally friendly, socially 
conscious business that's in danger. It's possible that the support 
will make a difference in the judge-appointed process that will 
follow. Thanks for reading!