Quality WITHOUT COMPROMISE
The milestones that shaped who we are today.
1840
Wool manufacturing has been part of Ashland, New Hampshire since the 1840's.
The Pemigewasset River powered the early mills that helped shape our town and its economy. Generations of families worked in those buildings, learning the craft of turning raw wool into fabric.
The mill we operate from today stands on that same foundation.
1916
In 1916, Luther W. Packard founded L.W. Packard & Co. in Ashland, New Hampshire.
We took over an existing mill and continued the long tradition of wool processing on the site. From the beginning, our focus was straightforward: clean wool well, spin it well, weave it well, and stand behind the quality of what left our doors.
Over the decades, we produced wool fabric for clothing, blankets, and industrial uses. Wool was the standard for warmth and durability, and we worked to meet that standard every day.
1940's
During both World Wars, wool was essential for uniforms and cold-weather gear. Like many mills across New England, we supplied fabric during a time when reliability mattered.
Our location in central New Hampshire allowed us to ship efficiently by rail and road. The work was steady, and the focus remained on quality and consistency.
1950 - 1990
As synthetic fibers entered the market and textile manufacturing began shifting away from New England, many mills closed. We adapted.
We invested in updated machinery, improved automation, and strengthened our quality control systems. We focused on doing fewer things well rather than trying to compete on volume alone.
In 1995, Textile World magazine named L.W. Packard one of the top 10 textile plants in the world.
For a small New Hampshire woolen mill, it was an unexpected honor. The recognition reflected decades of steady reinvestment in equipment, training, safety programs, and our workforce.
Our fabrics were used by respected apparel companies including L.L. Bean and Brooks Brothers. We continued operating from our 300,000 square foot facility in Ashland, producing wool fabrics in a wide range of weights and finishes.
2002
By the early 2000s, the textile industry had changed dramatically. Global production had shifted overseas, and large scale domestic wool weaving was no longer sustainable for us.
In 2002, we made the decision to stop producing woolen cloth in Ashland. That same year, fourth generation leader John Glidden and our team of textile engineers launched Minus33 Merino Wool.
We shifted from producing fabric for other brands to designing our own Merino wool garments. Drawing on decades of experience with fiber selection, spinning, and performance standards, we began developing base layers and essentials built for outdoor use.
Wool had always been our expertise. Minus33 allowed us to apply that knowledge in a new way.
2006
In 2006, Minus33 Merino wool garments helped keep Jim Gagne warm on his way became the first New Hampshire native to summit the world's tallest peak.
For us, it was a meaningful moment. The same material and knowledge rooted in our New Hampshire mill performed in one of the harshest environments on earth.
2017
Beginning in 2017, Minus33 launched its Search & Rescue Warming Kit program as a way to repurpose gently-worn returns and garments with minor defects into something meaningful. What started as a simple effort to support local rescue teams quickly grew into a program that now helps SAR organizations across North America respond to outdoor emergencies.
Each kit contains Merino wool base layers, socks, gloves, and a hat, creating a full head-to-toe warming system designed to be applied to patients in the field to help prevent or delay hypothermia during emergency response situations.
We now accept wool base layers from any brand to help support SAR teams nationwide. Learn more.
2019
In 2019, we invested in modern sock knitting machines and brought sock manufacturing back to the United States. Our Mountain Heritage line has been made in the USA since then.
It was an opportunity to reconnect more directly with the manufacturing side of our history while continuing to grow the Minus33 product line.
2021
In 2021, Lawson Glidden became president and lead sock designer, representing the fifth generation of family leadership.
From Luther W. Packard in 1916 to today, our company has remained family operated. Each generation has faced different challenges, but the focus has stayed consistent: make dependable wool products and treat people well.
Lawson Glidden (5th Gen) & John Glidden (4th Gen) in our Ashland, NH sock factory.
2026
In 2026, we mark 110 years since L.W. Packard & Co. was founded in Ashland, New Hampshire.
A lot has changed since 1916. The textile industry has shifted. Technology has evolved. The way people shop and work outdoors looks different than it once did. Through it all, wool has remained at the center of what we do.
Today, our historic mill on Mill Street serves as our headquarters, warehouse, and fulfillment center. The building remains an active part of our daily operations and a visible reminder of where we started.
As Minus33 Merino Wool, we design and sell base layers, socks, hats, gloves, and everyday essentials built to keep you comfortable & safe outdoors. Our products reach customers across the country and beyond, but our roots remain here in central New Hampshire.
Reaching 110 years is not something we take lightly. It represents generations of employees, family leadership, and a continued belief in doing things the right way.
We are focused on the years ahead, building on what we have learned and continuing to work with the material that started it all.
- Woolmark Quality Standard
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Responsible Wool Standard
- Earth-Conscious Packaging
We re-purpose & package gently worn & factory second base layers into SAR Warming Kits distributed FREE to first responders across the USA and Canada.
- 30-Day Returns/Exchanges
- Free Shipping Over $50
- NH-USA Customer Service
- 2-Year Product Warranty*
We are a 5th-generation family-owned business in New Hampshire with over a century of woolen textile manufacturing expertise. Quality without compromise.
- Woolmark Quality Standard
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Responsible Wool Standard
- Earth-Conscious Packaging
We re-purpose & package gently worn & factory second base layers into SAR Warming Kits distributed FREE to first responders across the USA and Canada.
- 30-Day Returns/Exchanges
- Free Shipping Over $50
- NH-USA Customer Service
- 2-Year Product Warranty*
We are a 5th-generation family-owned business in New Hampshire with over a century of woolen textile manufacturing expertise. Quality without compromise.