News

FesslerUSA On the Move!
FesslerUSA is closed in observance of the holiday on July 3^rd and will reopen on July 13^th. During this time, we are moving our corporate offices to our new building, located just a few miles away from our current location. This exciting move will merge our corporate headquarters, sample and design departments, knitting, cutting, and distribution facilities – all under one roof.

Our new address is 1506 Centre Turnpike,
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
.

Our phone number will remain the same 570-366-0531.

Please note, our servers and phone lines will be down throughout the move. Email access will be limited and emails sent during this time could be bounced back to the sender as undeliverable.

We believe our move will help make us more efficient and in turn, help us to serve you better. We value your business and appreciate your patience during this time.

Thank you.

FesslerUSA Receives Solar Power Facility Funding

   FesslerUSA Receives Solar Power Facility Funding
                Orwigsburg, PA (May 18, 2009) – FesslerUSA, an Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania based company that provides design services and manufactures apparel, today announced that the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (“PIDA”) will provide a $1.6 million loan to help fund a project to add a 1 megawatt photovoltaic solar power generating system to the FesslerUSA Deer Lake manufacturing facility.
FesslerUSA purchased the Dixon Ticonderoga building in Deer Lake early in 2007. With the support the Ben Franklin Partnership and the Electrotechnology Applications Center of Northampton Community College (“ETAC”), FesslerUSA immediately began an effort to evaluate alternative energy options for the facility.
“We knew that Pennsylvania was dropping its caps on electric rates on January 1, 2010 and electric rates for industrial companies are expected to jump by up to 40%,” according to Bonnie Meck, FesslerUSA’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Since we use considerable electricity in our manufacturing process, and the clock was ticking, we wanted to evaluate every option to help us maintain our competitiveness in this globally competitive marketplace.”
“We have been committed to manufacturing in Pennsylvania for over 109 years,” added Walter Meck, FesslerUSA’s CEO. “We are supported by a great team of employees and contractors. For them, we will find a way to remain in Pennsylvania.”
After evaluating a number of alternatives including wind turbines, the use of photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity was recommended by ETAC. FesslerUSA embraced the concept but quickly learned that Pennsylvania lagged behind a number of other states in the structural framework needed to make solar power work on an industrial level.
“We soon learned that we were trailblazers,” said Walter Meck. “Europe and a number of states in the USA have made great progress, but Pennsylvania is just learning what it takes to make solar work. A myriad of financial and regulatory challenges presented themselves at every turn in the road.”
The good news for FesslerUSA is that the Pennsylvania and Federal legislatures recognize the need for alternative energy and have embraced making this project happen. “We really appreciate the continual support of Congressman Holden, Senator Argall and their staffs, who have worked with us since the day we started,” noted Bonnie Meck. “And the Governor’s Action Team can make things happen.”
In October of 2008, FesslerUSA received a $1.0 million grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority for the project. And this week, with the support of SEDCO (the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp.), PIDA authorized a $1.6 million project loan.
The PIDA funds will help fund the $5.4 million project to add a new roof to the Deer Lake facility and to complete the solar power project. The photovoltaic solar panels to be installed on the roof will generate over 1,000,000 kwh of electricity each year. Though a few challenges remain, the company plans to be generating electricity before the end of 2009.
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority provides capital for infrastructure acquisition, creation and renovation projects, primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.
FesslerUSA is a leading producer of exclusively American made quality knitwear and fabrics. Continuously operating and employing Pennsylvanians for over 109 years, its products are solely made in Pennsylvania and shipped globally. More information on FesslerUSA can be found at www.FesslerUSA.com.
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FesslerUSA
H.H. Fessler Knitting Co., Inc.
PO Box 215     216 West Independence Street     Orwigsburg, PA 17961

Uptick in Domestic Manufacturing Could be Economy's Silver Lining

http://www.apparelnews.net/news/manufacturing/Uptick-in-Domestic-Manufacturing-Could-be-Economys-Silver-Lining

FesslerUSA showcases Made In USA knits at Kingpins show in LA
http://www.apparelnews.net/news/tradeshows/Denim-Brands-Search-for-Value-Inspiration-at-Kingpins-Show

FesslerUSA Executive Addresses Apparel and Footwear Professionals at INSIGHT08

LasVegas, NV (October 29,2008) Bonnie Meck, FesslerUSA’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer was a keynote speaker at INSIGHT08, sponsored by CGS (Computer Generated Solutions, Inc) held this week at The Venetian & Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino.

"Bonnie shared with our BlueCherry customers her passion for sustainability and the many concrete initiatives she has implemented at FesslerUSA to reduce her company's carbon footprint while maintaining a healthy business," commented Paul Magel, senior vice president of application solutions at CGS, Inc.

“The FesslerUSA Corporate Sustainability Program began several years ago when customers began requesting garments made from organically grown cotton,” said Meck. Recently the company was awarded a $1million grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) to help fund the installation of Phase I of its Solar Energy Project.

"By beginning with small changes to its business practices and creating employee awareness about the company's impact on the environment, Bonnie has effectively transformed the company culture and made FesslerUSA a genuine example of how being 'green' is not only good for the planet but also good for businesses, employees and communities. We admire Bonnie's leadership and are grateful for her willingness to share her passion with our business community," added Mr. Magel.

“FesslerUSA has always been a market leader in innovation and technology; it was only natural to be a leader in Corporate Sustainability as well. Our Corporate Sustainability Program formalizes and expands upon some of the things we have always done to care for our people and to be good corporate citizens in our communities, as well as good stewards of our environment,” said Meck. “It ties directly into our core values, especially the one that states “We do the right thing.” Sustainability is just the right thing to do,” she added.

Meck, who developed the company’s Sustainability Policy, is quick to note that its success is based on works, not words. “Companies should not proceed with a policy unless they really believe in it. Just creating a policy for the sake of appearances is ‘green-washing’ and if your actions do not match your words, it can hurt your company’s reputation more than saying or doing nothing at all,” said Meck.

FesslerUSA’s actions aimed at minimizing the Company’s effect on the environment include: Investing in T5 lighting, energy efficient reflective paint, and HVAC throughout their facility, aggressively pursuing waste minimization and recycling opportunities, purchasing primarily domestically grown and produced raw materials and supplies and using local vendors and contractors whenever available.

“America’s small businesses have always been leaders in innovation and forward thinking – since our government is moving slowly in this area, I believe it is imperative for business to lead the charge,” said Meck.

FesslerUSA is a leading producer of exclusively American made quality knitwear and fabrics. Continuously operating for over 108 years, its products are made in Pennsylvania and shipped globally. More information on FesslerUSA can be found at www.FesslerUSA.com .

Established in 1984, CGS is headquartered in New York City and maintains a worldwide presence with 18 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information on BlueCherry or CGS please visit http://www.cgsinc.com .

FesslerUSA takes Proactive Energy Approach

Read how FesslerUSA is a standout leader when it comes to environmentally responsible business as featured in the October 28, 2008 issue of the Pottsville Republican and Herald newspaper.

http://www.republicanherald.com/articles/2008/10/28/opinion/editorial/pr_republican.20081028.a.pg10.pr28solaredit_s1.2042641_edi.txt

FesslerUSA receives $1 million grant for Solar Energy Project
SOLAR ENERGY AT FESSLERUSA

FesslerUSA’s Solar Energy Project Receives State Support

ORWIGSBURG, PA – October 21, 2008 – FesslerUSA, a leading Pennsylvania manufacturer of quality knitwear, received a $1.0 million grant on Monday from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) to help fund the installation of its Solar Energy Project.

According to Bonnie L. Meck, FesslerUSA’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, “The Solar Energy Project, a $5.6 million solar photovoltaic power plant to be constructed adjacent to the facility, will provide 667,000 kWh per year of electricity for FesslerUSA’s manufacturing facilities in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania.”

“As an integral part of the FesslerUSA Corporate Sustainability Program, this system will avoid air pollution from traditional power sources by an estimated 506 tons of carbon dioxide annually,” she added.

The FesslerUSA Corporate Sustainability Program began several years ago when customers began requesting garments made from organically grown cotton. As the company explored organic supply options, it embraced the concept of sustainability and instituted a comprehensive program that includes energy efficient renovations to the Deer Lake facility, (such as T5 lighting, reflective paint to reduce lighting needs, variable speed drives on motors and water pumps, etc.), the recycling of production byproducts, sourcing from local vendors and the use of raw materials produced with a minimal environmental impact.

As Meck noted, “We all recognize the long-term importance of protecting our environment. At FesslerUSA, we believe that the reduction of our carbon footprint not only is the right thing to do, it also enhances our competitiveness in this global economy. By controlling our energy costs, this solar project will help to ensure that we continue to grow and employ Pennsylvanians as we have for more than a century.”

The Ben Franklin Partnership supported a feasibility study of the Solar Energy Project, conducted by the Northampton Community College’s ElectroTechnology Applications Center in 2007. And FesslerUSA also appreciates the generous support and advice from other individuals and organizations, including the Sustainable Energy Fund, the West Brunswick Township officials and the late State Sen. Jim Rhoades and Rep. Dave Argall. FesslerUSA is continuing to work with these and others, including Federal legislators, Congressman Tim Holden, and Senators Spector and Casey, to secure the additional funding needed to complete the project.

“This project will be just one of the many legacies of Senator Rhoades,” according to Meck. “He and his staff, especially Champ Holman and Nick Troutman, took a personal interest in making the project a reality, guiding us through the intricacies of the PEDA process and supporting our efforts,” she added.

FesslerUSA is a leading producer of exclusively American made quality knitwear and fabrics. Continuously operating for over 108 years, its products are made in Pennsylvania and shipped globally.

Learn about FesslerUSA's Sustainability Program

Our Sustainability Policy: FesslerUSA strives to accomplish our mission of being the best USA private label supplier of design support and production services to the fashion knitwear apparel industry, while caring for the health and wellbeing of our greatest asset, our people. Additionally, we continually work to be a good corporate citizen of the communities in which we work and live and to minimize our impact on the environment on which we all depend.

Our Company Background: Continuously operating since 1900, we have been a steady employer in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and now employ a total of 275 employees in 3 Pennsylvania counties – Schuylkill, Berks and Lehigh. As a vertical private label manufacturer, we produce over 4 million women’s and children’s knit tops each year – all right here in Pennsylvania.

Our Actions:

Caring For Our People:
Ø      Treating employees, customers and vendors fairly and with respect and dignity
Ø      Offering a living wage and comprehensive benefit package
Ø      Encouraging training and education to broaden the skill sets of our people
Ø      Providing a tobacco-free environment in which to work
Ø      Supporting internal wellness initiatives including Health Fairs, Biggest Loser (weight loss) Contests, Walking for Fitness Contests, Smoking Cessation classes, etc.

Being a Good Corporate Citizen:
Ø      Providing volunteer and financial support to deserving community charities
Ø      Establishing an outlet store to sell irregulars and overstocks locally at very low prices, instead of liquidating them to distant buyers
Ø      Hosting production facility tours for educational groups

Minimizing Our Impact on Our Environment:
Ø      Reclaiming a superfund brownfield site as our Corporate Headquarters and largest production location
Ø      Investing in T5 lighting and energy efficient reflective paint and HVAC throughout the building
Ø      Aggressively pursuing waste minimization and recycling opportunities
Ø      Purchasing primarily domestically grown and produced raw materials and supplies
Ø      Using local vendors and contractors whenever available
Ø      Developing and promoting fabrics from organic cotton and other sustainable fibers.
Ø      Providing an employee shuttle van and preferred parking for carpoolers
Ø      Designing our new office and design support space using ‘green’ building techniques
Ø      Constantly seeking ways to reduce paper use, emailing invoices to customers, using double sided copies, etc
Ø      Planning to install a solar energy installation to replace our dependence on fossil fuels for electricity

For more information, call a FesslerUSA representative today 1.800.253.2924