
MALDEN MILLS TO RECEIVE $20
MILLION IN FUNDING. Lawrence, MA. November 29, 2001
-- Malden Mills Industries, Inc., the world famous innovative
developer, manufacturer and marketer of the internationally
recognized Polartec® family of performance fabrics, today
finalized a deal with its lenders to fund its operations while
it works to assure its future vitality through a Chapter 11
reorganization. Malden Mills filed for reorganization under
Chapter 11 at court in Worcester, Massachusetts.
"This reorganization
allows Malden Mills to emerge from the challenges we have faced
since the catastrophic fire that nearly destroyed our company in
late 1995," said President and CEO Aaron Feuerstein.
"Today begins a new chapter in Malden Mills' 95 year
history as a stronger, more highly focused and profitable
company. Our internationally renowned brand name, our pioneering
research and development arm, coupled with our strong customer
base and our dedicated workforce, will keep Malden Mills at the
forefront of the industry for many years to come."
The Mill was devastated by an
industrial fire on December 11, 1995. Feuerstein received
national recognition for immediately rebuilding in Lawrence, MA
while continuing to pay his workers during the process. The new
Polartec® building was the first mill built in New England in
more than 100 years.
The filing was necessitated by
the cost of servicing bank debt. A number of factors
contributed, including a sluggish retail market, the high costs
associated with rebuilding and the closure of the company's
upholstery division after a significant market share loss as a
result of the fire. Malden Mills, a privately-held company,
worked with its lenders and strategic advisors and determined
that a Chapter 11 filing was the best way to reorganize the
company for continuing operations and for building on its unique
position as a recognized brand innovator.
Malden Mills' patented
manufacturing processes create high-tech, branded Polartec®
fabrics for all outdoor activities -- from rock climbing to
kayaking to U.S. military maneuvers in the mountains of
Afghanistan. The company has received tremendous support from
their customers worldwide. 'Made in the United States of
America' and based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the Mill is the
sole source for Polartec® fabrics used for cold weather gear
for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
"I commend Malden Mills
and the creditors for reaching this agreement. I'm confident
that the company will overcome its current problems and continue
to make a vital contribution to the local economy and the
nation's security in the future," said Senator Edward
Kennedy. "This agreement is a giant step toward achieving
that important goal."
"This is great news for
anybody who cares about responsible corporate citizenship in
America," said Senator John Kerry. "Aaron Feuerstein
put the survival of his company on the line when he decided to
take care of his workers and rebuild in Lawrence and Methuen. I
appreciate the willingness of the creditors who helped structure
this agreement and am hopeful that this announcement represents
the beginning of a new chapter of growth for the workers at
Malden Mills."
"I am pleased that Malden
Mills will continue to supply not only our Armed Forces with
Polartec but the greater Lawrence community with good jobs.
Malden Mills is providing our military, particularly those
soldiers and Marines who are stationed in and around
Afghanistan, with the best possible cold weather gear. I am
confident today's announcement will ensure that our men and
women in uniform will continue to receive this important
equipment. Moreover, it is clear that Malden Mills will continue
to play an important role in the economy of Lawrence, the
Merrimack Valley, and Massachusetts," said Congressman
Marty Meehan, a senior member of the House Armed Services
Committee.
"This is wonderful news
for Malden Mills and wonderful news for their workers,"
said Gov. Jane Swift. "In this time of economic uncertainty
it is reassuring when lenders and companies can reach agreements
that protect jobs and allow companies to operate. I'm sure that
this is the beginning of a successful new phase for Aaron
Feuerstein and his world-renowned Polartec fabrics."
Malden is fully operational and
conducting business as usual. Görlitz Fleece GmbH, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Malden Mills Industries, Inc., based in Görlitz,
Germany, will continue operations unaffected by the U.S. filing.
Customers worldwide will continue to receive product, without
interruption, from both facilities. The U.S. Customer Service
Center in Lawrence, MA and the European Customer Service Center
in Maastricht, The Netherlands, will also continue to operate as
usual and serve customers' needs.
"Malden Mills is in an
enviable position in the marketplace," said Feuerstein,
"and with this infusion of capital, we will continue to
grow the business and retain our preeminent status in the
industry. Our customers, employees, and vendors will all be the
beneficiaries of this reorganization plan which allows us to
focus on our very positive outlook for the future."
Founded in 1906 and based in
Lawrence, Massachusetts, Malden Mills Industries, Inc. is the
worldwide producer of high-quality branded fabric for apparel,
footwear and home furnishings.
Malden Mills and Polartec are
trademarks registered in the United States and in other
jurisdictions for fabrics available only from Malden Mills
Industries, Inc. Malden Mills Industries, Inc., 46 Stafford St.,
Lawrence, Mass., 01841

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