Pennsylvania 1830 - John Rich and Daniel McCormick established their first wool factory along a picturesque small brook called Plum Run. An activity that in a short time will be known as Woolrich.

Woolrich's history runs parallel to America's own history, alongside the endless train tracks that were built in Pennsylvania in the 19th century.

The first wool product manufactured by Woolrich were distribuited by Rich himself, he traveled from logging camp to logging camp selling fabric, socks and basic garments. Form followed functional, and the Woolrich Mill developedwhat has become known as the railroad vest.

At the end of 1800's - The demand for labor to build steam engines and rail cars demanded more workers, and the growing labour force needed clothing to keep them confortable and well protected. It was enough to make the wheels of commerce turn including the spinning wheels at John Rich's Woolen Mill.

1950's and early 1960's - The Woolrich products featured blankets and basic outdoor wear, including socks, mittens and wool outfits for hunting, skiing, and other outdoor sports. 1972 - Woolrich introduced the Original Artic Parka, designed to handle the most extreme temperatures. It was originally designed for workers constructing the alaskan pipeline.

As Woolrich had done during the civil war, the company geared up its woolen mill to support the war effort by producing blankets and uniforms for the armed forces. In this period the average american lifestyle improved steadily. The rise of american sportswear became a must.

Woolrich always prided itself on enduring designs and on functional standards. Woolrich created a dedicated new design and style office in Europe that combines creativity from U.S., Europe and Japan, to create contemporary collections that respect the original functional standards.

Europe: 1982 - Beppe Calori and his young daughter Cristina "became" fashion "entrepreneurs" and created Wp Lavori in Corso, where research and activities in progress represent WP's philosophy. 1984 - Woolrich became part of the Wp Family. 1996 - The great sales boom in Woolrich Artic Parka arrived in Italy.

America: 1970's - The product line reflected not only the renewed interest in the outdoors, but styles that owned more to the growing world of media-inspired fashion. 1980's - Woolrich began the process of computerizing some of its machinery. New materials like Gore Tex©, Thinsulate©, and Cordura© were used to enhance the performance of wool.

Fall/Winter 2010 collection - In celebration of the 180th anniversary of the highest quality goods, 1830-2010, we here at Woolrich, John Rich & Bros have created an exclusive Limited Edition Collection. Each item in the collection has been limited production run of 180 pieces of each style, each piece bearing it's own unique production number.