| |  The Mill when we bought it in 2002 | | In October 2001, approximately 200 jobs were lost when Clarkesville Mill located in Clarkesville, GA was permanently closed. The plant was originally built in 1951 by United Merchants and Manufacturers, Inc. At that time UMMI was the largest textile producer in the world with gross annual revenues of approximately $100,000,000.
While in operation UMMI produced high quality fabric that was used for an assortment of consumer products including draperies and curtains. Due to changes in the economy, United Merchants sold its Clarkesville plant to Clinton Mill Industries in 1993.
Based out of Clinton, SC, CMI had been in business for over 100 years. They operated the Clarkesville facility until the economy forced it to shut down in 2001.
This 275,000 sq. ft. building and surrounding acreage was acquired by our company, Soque River Mills, LLC, in September 2002. By that time the mill had been vacant for almost a year. Extensive repairs and upgrades have been necessary to bring the building to an operational level for our purposes.
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A lot of work 
We really had our work cut out for us when we decided to renovate this building. Over six acres of half-century old flat roof means lots of leaks. This crew is spraying a roofing adhesive over the loading dock area to eliminate some of the leaks. | | | Adding a new entrance 
These openings were made into the newest addition to the mill (1970s) for what is now the entrance to the YMCA Gymnastics Facility. | | | Heating and Air Conditioning 
A crane was brought in to load the heating and air conditioning units for the future Bowling Center and Art & Antique Mall.
| | | Mill Workers Reunion
 There are very few people living in this area that haven't either worked at the former mill or had family or friends work at this location over the last 50 years. We invited them to visit the mill on an annual basis and become reacquainted with eachother. | | | |
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