Manufacturing highly engineered textile products isn’t just what we do, it’s all we do. For decades, we’ve earned the trust of the US Department of Defense and more than 65 other nations. With our machinery, trusted processes, and highly trained operators, assemblers, and safety personnel in place, we welcome the opportunity to talk with businesses about their contract cut and sew needs.
When it comes to producing lifesaving devices such as parachutes, there’s absolutely no room for error. Our mission is to build products that bring our troops safely to the ground 100% of the time. It’s a responsibility we take to heart. All our parachutes are produced in strict accordance with current US Government design and drawings, and each one complies with all quality and manufacturing specifications. Our export parachutes are made to the same specifications as those we manufacture for the US Armed Forces, unless otherwise specified by our customers.
As highly technical cut and sew contractors, we maintain the same level of detail and precision in all of our products, whether they are for commercial and industrial businesses or the military. Mills Manufacturing Corporation is a registered ISO 9001 company. Read more about our materials, quality policy, and capabilities and process.
In 1935, Ernest A. Mills founded Mills Manufacturing in New York City as a producer of women’s silk undergarments. As WWII began, we shifted to manufacturing military cut and sew items, including parachutes, tents, and mosquito netting, and other products made of lightweight fabrics to support the war effort.
In the early 1950s, after the outbreak of the Korean War, we received a large contract to make military cargo parachutes. Mills Manufacturing relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, in 1952 to take advantage of nearby suppliers, favorable real estate conditions, and a skilled workforce. It was at this time that we turned our attention to producing military parachute systems full time. This focus has continued for decades.
Today, we serve the entire US Military and more than 65 other countries. We’ve expanded our operations to accommodate clients looking for commercial and industrial contract cut and sew products.
Mills remains a family-owned and operated manufacturer located in Asheville, North Carolina. Jim Turner, Ernest’s son-in-law, succeeded him as president of the company for the next 30 years with Ernest’s daughter, Pam Turner, serving as board chair. The company is now in its third generation of family ownership and operations. John Oswald married Robin Turner, Ernest’s granddaughter, and joined the company in 1998. He currently serves as the company president. While lots of things have changed since 1935, so much has stayed the same. All decisions are made locally, and within the family that comprises the company’s top management. Mills continues to give back to a community that has given it so much. Read more about our community involvement.
Photo credit: Ernest A. Mills Family Collection.
Interested in joining our team? See employment opportunities.