Welcome to Whaler Knits, where timeless craftsmanship meets coastal living. Proudly owned by the Merrow Group Companies, a leader in American manufacturing and textile innovation, Whaler Knits is a celebration of the rich textile heritage of Fall River, Massachusetts, and the enduring beauty of coastal life.
At Whaler Knits, we design and craft premium, durable knitwear that reflects the resilience and spirit of the sea. Each garment is meticulously made in Fall River, MA, blending traditional techniques with modern technology to create products that embody the essence of New England’s maritime culture.
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Merrow: American Made Soft Goods
502 Bedford St.
Fall River, MA 02720
Our Mission
We are dedicated to creating sustainable, American-made garments that capture the timeless appeal of coastal living. Inspired by the deep-rooted textile history of our region, our knitwear combines functionality, quality, and style to bring a touch of the sea to your everyday life.
Crafted by Experts
As part of the Merrow Group Companies, Whaler Knits benefits from over 180 years of expertise in textile production. With access to world-class manufacturing capabilities, innovative techniques, and the iconic Merrow Stitch, our products stand as a testament to precision, durability, and innovation.
Inspired by the Coast
Our designs are rooted in the maritime traditions and beach life of New England. From soft, ocean-inspired hues to resilient, weather-ready materials, every piece reflects the beauty and strength of coastal living. Whether you’re strolling along the shoreline or navigating city streets, Whaler Knits brings the spirit of the sea to wherever you are.
Sustainability at Our Core
Whaler Knits is committed to sustainability, producing garments that respect the environment and support ethical practices. By manufacturing locally in Fall River, we minimize our carbon footprint, invest in our community, and ensure every product is crafted with care.
A Legacy of Excellence
Whaler Knits is more than a brand—it’s a continuation of a legacy. Fall River’s history as a hub of textile innovation lives on in our garments, each one a modern tribute to the city’s heritage. Backed by Merrow’s reputation as a leader in the textile industry, we bring unmatched quality and authenticity to everything we create.
Who We Serve
Our knitwear is designed for those who value craftsmanship, heritage, and sustainability. Whether you’re a coastal enthusiast, a lover of timeless style, or a conscious consumer, Whaler Knits offers something truly special: clothing made with purpose, passion, and pride.
Whaler Knits: By the Sea, For You
Every piece of Whaler Knits knitwear tells a story—a story of tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the sea. Join us as we weave the threads of our heritage into the fabric of your life.
Experience the spirit of coastal living with Whaler Knits. Designed by the sea. Made in America.
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About Merrow
Owned and led by Owen and Charlie Merrow, the 8th generation custodians of this legacy, the Merrow Group Companies stand as a beacon of family tradition combined with diversified modern manufacturing. Our sprawling six-acre campus in downtown Fall River is a testament to our expansive operations, encompassing Manufacturing, Brands, Medical, and Wholesale parts & equipment divisions.
Our accolades mirror our journey. Recognized as the manufacturer of the year in MA for 2017 and 2018, our shelf boasts the 2018 MassINC Gateway City Innovation Award, the 2017 Constellation Supernova award for tech innovation, and the 2019 Cornerstone Entrepreneur Award from Bristol Community College. We’ve been growing rapidly, with endorsements from titans like Forbes, the WSJ, and recognition for our medical supply chain contributions by the states of MA and RI.
Discover more about Merrow at Merrow Manufacturing and Merrow.
History of the Merrow Company: A Timeline
1838: Joseph M. Merrow is born. Originally part of the firearms trade and later venturing into knitting machines, his endeavors laid the groundwork for what would become a historic textile company.
1843: The Merrow Company, originally involved in gunpowder manufacturing in Connecticut, plants its roots as a pioneer in the textile industry, eventually shifting gears to revolutionize the fabric world.
1877: The company begins its foray into developing crochet sewing machines. This innovation revolutionized textile craftsmanship, opening doors to an array of fabric products.
1881: A devastating fire engulfs Joseph Merrow's factory. Displaying resilience, he rebuilds and steers the company towards the development of industrial overlock sewing machines.
1887: The Merrow Machine Company is officially incorporated, gaining traction and reputation both nationally and internationally over the subsequent years.
1900s: With its innovative technology, Merrow stamps its mark as an industry standard, catering to a plethora of products from undergarments to hats.
1932: Despite a change in leadership, with control moving away from the Merrow family, the company stays resilient, adapting and thriving amidst a changing textile backdrop.
1960s: Facing intense global competition, Merrow pushes technological boundaries, ensuring it remains the foremost choice for quality sewing.
1980s: The term "merrowed" edge becomes ubiquitous in the industry, a testament to the brand's dominance and innovation in sewing technology.
2000s: Navigating global shifts in textile production, Merrow keeps its momentum by launching specialized machines for various applications, from medical sutures to garment detailing.
2006: As cited by the Patriot Ledger, Merrow introduces 'microsites', a digital leap forward for product branding in industrial manufacturing. This year also sees the company adopting the trademark 'The Stitch Matters', emphasizing the intricate detail and quality of their machines' work.
2009: Responding adeptly to the financial crisis, Merrow showcases its entrepreneurial spirit by building out 14 start-ups across diverse fields. One notable venture is the hydestore.com, a testament to the brand's adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
2010: A groundbreaking innovation, the ActiveSeam technology www.activeseam.com, is introduced. With its unique flat and stretchy stitch, it becomes an ideal fit for the booming athletic wear market.
2014: Recognizing the importance of hands-on experience for potential customers, Merrow establishes the Stitch Lab. This facility allows customers to experiment and confirm their stitch requirements before investing in a machine, underlining Merrow's commitment to client satisfaction.
2018: Expanding its horizons, Merrow acquires Griffin Manufacturing, a complete garment production company. Specializing in athleticwear and sportswear, Griffin offers comprehensive apparel services, ranging from design and product development to complete garment production, further enhancing Merrow's portfolio.
2020: Amidst a global health crisis, Merrow receives commendable national coverage on PBS Newshour among others: the Governor of Rhode Island hails the company as heroes. Demonstrating adaptability and civic responsibility, Merrow becomes the country's largest manufacturer of reusable medical gowns.
2021: In a strategic move, Merrow acquires Superior Sewing, an entity found at www.supsew.com. This acquisition strengthens Merrow's foothold in the textile machinery sector and broadens its operational capabilities.
2022: Furthering its dominance in the textile sector, Merrow acquires the historic Fall River Knitting Mills (www.merrowknits.com), adding another storied textile company to its family.
2023: With a goal to disrupt the supply chain for healthcare soft goods, Merrow introduces net-zero sustainable medical technical apparel, setting new industry standards for ESG & product design. Moreover, this year witnesses the launch of a new division focused on Direct to Consumer brands, illustrating the company's continuous evolution and commitment to sustainability and direct customer engagement.
Through nearly two centuries of operation, the Merrow Company has exemplified innovation, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to quality. This timeline encapsulates its legacy, growth, and undeniable influence on the textile world.
