Mill History
Manchaug Mills consists of an old granite 4-story building with a more recently constructed metal building attached. The mill dates back to 1826 when it was built from local Douglas granite for the production of cotton fabric. The well known trade name "Fruit of the Loom" originated here.
Water from Stevens and Manchaug ponds powered the mill machinery until steam and subsequently electric power became available. This mill is the only remaining one of three originally located near the four corners of Manchaug, a Village of Sutton, Massachusetts. The '38 hurricane and a major fire took down the others.
When textile manufacturing went south in the 20's, our mill was put to a variety of other uses. Whitin Machine Works used it for storage and later an Englishman, Sir Rudy Sternberg, purchased the property for the production of foam plastic containers.
In 1974, Manchaug Corporation acquired the property and the business within. In 1985, the business was sold to Genpac Corporation. H & P Trust, which had previously acquired the real estate, retained the mill property. In 1990, when Genpac left to consolidate operations elsewhere, H & P Trust began offering space in the buildings to various small businesses. The funds derived from these tenants are being applied first to general operating expenses and then to building
renovations.
This charming, historic site is home for over 20 tenants in wide variety of businesses. Centrally located off routes 146, 395 and the Mass Pike providing easy access to major highways. Nearly all of the building has been renovated inside and out, and available areas are suitable for immediate occupancy.
Watch a video excerpt of Preserving Old Mills and Mill History* featuring Manchaug Mills
Please note: This video is in Windows Media Format and may take a few minutes to play on slower Internet connections
