Pendleton

Overview

Pendleton Woolen Mills is a textile manufacturing company known for woolen blankets, clothing, and home goods. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, it operates mills in Pendleton, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington, producing jacquard blankets and fabrics for apparel and upholstery. The company sells through over 30 retail stores in the US and exports to markets including Canada, Europe, Japan, and Korea.

History

Founded in 1863 by English weaver Thomas Kay in Oregon, the business evolved through his daughter Fannie's 1876 marriage to retailer C.P. Bishop. Incorporated as Pendleton Woolen Mills in 1909 with a mill in Pendleton, Oregon, it added a Washougal, Washington mill in 1912 and moved headquarters to Portland in 1919. Product expansion included wool shirts in 1924, women's lines in 1949, and non-wool garments in 1972.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in company-owned mills in Pendleton, Oregon (since 1895, jacquard blankets and apparel fabrics) and Washougal, Washington (since 1912, blankets and upholstery fabrics). Pendleton controls vertical manufacturing from wool sourcing to finished goods. Six operational facilities support production and retail.

Notable Products

• Glacier National Park Blanket - Jacquard blanket introduced in 1916 commemorating national parks.
• '49er Jacket - Iconic women's wool jacket from 1949 collection.
• Legendary Blanket Collection - Series debuted in 1976 featuring Native American designs.
• Men's Wool Shirts - Colorful wool shirts launched in 1924 as alternative to work shirts.
• Native American Trade Blankets - Geometric patterned blankets produced since 1896 for regional tribes.

Reputation

Pendleton is regarded by enthusiasts for its century-plus weaving heritage and quality wool products made in US mills. Professionals note its role as one of few remaining American woolen mills. Some criticism exists over higher pricing compared to synthetic alternatives, though durability is praised.