Manufacturing in the U.S.

1888 Mills’ vice chairman, Douglas Tingle, and chief executive, Jonathan Simon, look at a length of undyed towel fabric. “We don’t envision the entire industry going back to the United States -- low-cost Asian manufacturing will still be the base for volume,” Simon says. “But for just-in-time service, U.S. manufacturing does make sense.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

1888 Mills employee Shirley Blackmon checks spools of yarn. The factory has a contract to sell U.S.-made towels to Wal-Mart, so it’s adding 35 jobs.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Textile mills used to be the big employers in Griffin, Ga. Most went out of business as manufacturing moved overseas.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Harold Chapell, 56, lost his job when the textile mill where he worked closed its doors. He and Tanya Chappell still live in housing that was originally built for mill workers.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Monteshia Brown, left, and Eugene Colquitt found jobs scarce in Griffin, so they started a lawn business.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The Springs textile mill in Griffin, Ga., has closed for good.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Wal-Mart plans to sell towels manufactured in Griffin by 1888 Mills, labeled “Made here since 1888.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)