Makers of the Original Monkey Sock and America’s Oldest Sock Brand to Appear on Travel Channel® Made in America Series
Iconic performance sock manufacturer Fox River® featured in series debut season
OSAGE, Iowa (Oct. 27, 2011) — Fox River, a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor, athletic, military and lifestyle performance socks since 1900 and maker of the famous Original Rockford Red Heel® Monkey Sock, is scheduled to appear on the new Travel Channel® series, ‘Made in America’.
Show host George Motz also produced the critically-acclaimed documentary ‘Hamburger America’, and is renowned as an Emmy award-winning freelance filmmaker and photographer. Motz and his crew have been touring the U.S. with the Travel Channel to explore factories that produce some of the most innovative products in the world and how these products are made.
The Travel Channel selected Fox River due to their long-standing history as America’s oldest sock brand and steadfast commitment to remaining made in America. The episode also demonstrates how Fox River helped to proliferate a beloved American icon with the Original Sock Monkey, made from the Original Rockford Red Heel® Monkey Sock by Fox River.
Fox River Mills has carried on the tradition of the sock monkey since 1992 after the originators of the sock monkey, Nelson Knitting Mills closed their doors and Fox River acquired the landmark brand. Crafters have been making sock monkeys for generations and the dolls have since become a favorite piece of Americana. Instructions for craft assembly are included in each pair of Original Rockford Red Heel Monkey Socks by Fox River.
“The sock monkey holds a special place in the heart of American culture,” commented Becky Lessard, Vice President of Monkey Business at Fox River. “Most everyone grew up with a sock monkey, so it’s our pleasure to continue this tradition and introduce the monkey to new generations.”
The Travel Channel segment also outlines the manufacturing process for Fox River’s new Adventure Cross Terrain (AXT®) performance socks. This new generation of socks features an advanced fit system, spandex compression zones, reinforced wear areas and a combination of Merino wool fiber for trail running, backpacking and adventure racing among other outdoor pursuits.
“With more than 110-years of experience in the American sock business, we have a unique perspective on the sock industry and how to produce better products domestically,” said Jeffrey Lessard, co-owner of Fox River Mills who is featured in the segment. “We care about giving our customers products they can trust without sacrificing performance while providing great value.”
“We’re proud to be featured on this program, especially in a time when many apparel and outdoor gear brands are sending production overseas,” continued Jeff Lessard. “It’s not just about making great products and providing exceptional value. Fox River takes enormous pride in providing local jobs that support our family, friends and neighbors.”
The “Made in America’ episode was filmed with George Motz at Fox Rivers Mills in Osage, Iowa in June and airs on Tuesday, Nov. 1st at 8:30 p.m. ET and PT.
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Media Contact for Fox River
Mike Tyer
Cohesive Creative & Code
319-231-0673
mike@cohesive.cc
More About Fox River
Fox River® is America’s original sock brand. As makers of the Original Rockford Red Heel®, the Monkey Sock, Fox River’s products date back to the 1880s. But their socks today aren’t your great grandfather’s socks. Infused with innovative technologies and over a century of experience woven in, nothing beats these socks for performance and comfort. With clever engineering you can feel, there’s no wonder they are guaranteed. Exclusive technologies like Wick Dry® moisture-wicking and eco-friendly fibers and manufacturing give Fox River® socks more than just a feel-good fit. Try them for yourself. For more information on Fox River® products or to find one of thousands of dealers across the globe, please visit www.FoxSox.com. Fox River Mills, Inc. is a privately held company manufacturing performance socks by 200 of the friendliest folks in Osage, Iowa.
More About Travel Channel’s Made in America
Ever wonder what a sports car and a jelly bean have in common? They're both made in America! Each week, Made in America travels from city to city to find out how some of the most iconic products in the world are made. Host George Motz has a passion for all things American, whether it’s a good burger or a Cadillac. Join George as he explores the workshops, labs and factories that crank out some of the most ingenious products this country has to offer. Watch him learn to make doughnuts, sneakers, padlocks, whiskey, motorcycles, boats and much more. Tune in Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT only on the Travel Channel.
Notice
Fox River, Original Rockford Red Heel, Wick Dry, AXT and FoxSox are trademarks of Fox River Mills, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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