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Minus33 Merino Wool:
Community
A Local Company with Deep Roots and Global Reach
BUSINESS
wool apparel that is both rugged and refined. Since its founding in 2002, the company has grown from a small operation into a recognized name among outdoor enthusiasts across the country.
Minus33 was established as a subsidiary of L.W. Packard, a family-owned textile mill founded in Ashland in 1916. For much of the 20th century, L.W. Packard
was the largest woolen manufac- turer in the United States, pro- ducing textiles for iconic brands such as Brooks Brothers and L.L. Bean. That legacy of craftsman- ship and expertise lives on today through Minus33, which con- tinues to combine tradition with innovation.
Drawing on 5 generations of textile knowledge, the company found a niche in creating garments from Austra- lian merino wool, prized for its softness, warmth, and breathability. While wool once carried a repu- tation for being itchy and heavy, Minus33 has helped change perceptions by de- signing products that are comfortable, versatile, and durable enough for hiking, skiing, hunting, and every-
day wear.
The company offers a
wide range of products, in- cluding base layers, socks,
hats, and gloves, all made with an emphasis on qual- ity and practicality. Notably, Minus33 manufactures its merino wool socks right in Ashland, keeping produc- tion local while maintain- ing the highest standards. The company also partners with organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Mount Washington Observatory, supplying specialized socks designed to withstand the harshest conditions in the White Mountains and be- yond.
Although Minus33 does
not operate a retail store- front, customers can shop online at Minus33.com. The company also offers free ware- house pickup in Ashland, provid- ing a convenient option for local customers.
As outdoor recreation contin- ues to thrive, Minus33 Merino
Spotlight
Nestled in the heart of Ash- land, New Hampshire, Minus33 Merino Wool has built a reputa- tion for producing high-quality
Wool stands as a shining example of a small-town family-owned business making a big mark in the world of performance Merino apparel — weaving to- gether a century-old heritage with modern-day innovation.