The Story of Us: Arrow Shirt Factory

In May 1962, Arrow Shirt Company Executive Vice-President in Charge of Manufacturing R.M. Dale announced the company had selected Jasper, Alabama, as the site of a new plant. A division of New York-based Cluette, Peabody and Company, Arrow was the largest manufacturer of men and boys’ shirts in the world. The company also manufactured and distributed ties, handkerchiefs, underwear, sportswear, and ladies’ blouses. In addition to 13 existing plants in Georgia, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, Dale explained the company would build a 50,000 square-foot plant in Jasper which would employ 300-450 people within 18 months of opening.

Construction began in July 1962 and the plant opened on Highway 78 in 1963. Arrow Shirt Factory operated in Jasper for several years and provided employment for many Walker County citizens. Through the years, Cluette, Peabody and Company was subsequently purchased by several other companies. The Jasper Arrow plant closed in 1979. The stitching plant continued operation until the late 80s-early 90s.

 On March 30, 2001, production ended after the Arrow brand was sold to the John Forsyth Shirt Company of Cambridge, Canada. 78