FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2025
Mount Airy, NC – Nester Hosiery, LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium socks and accessory footwear, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Surry County, North Carolina, following the acquisition of the majority of assets of Fox River Mills, a heritage sock manufacturer based in Osage, Iowa.
The strategic expansion, represents a major investment in domestic manufacturing and job creation for the region. As part of the transaction, Nester Hosiery will consolidate Fox River’s production operations at its headquarters in Mount Airy, bringing up to 50 new jobs to Surry County. In a dual effort to maintain customer continuity and support former Fox River employees, Nester will also open a product development and customer service center in Osage, Iowa, preserving key staff in sales, marketing, and design.
“Surry County is thrilled to see a company who started here, continue to grow and remain rooted here,” said Mark Marion, Chairman of the Surry County Board of Commissioners. “Adding up to 50 new jobs and continuing to invest into the community is a win-win for everyone involved. We’re proud to have a globally recognized modern manufacturer, using American-made materials and delivering a quality product, right here at home. It’s wonderful to live in Surry County!”
This expansion includes the integration of the Fox River, Pistil, and Anywear Essentials brands into Nester’s existing product lines, which also feature its popular Farm to Feet® brand and private-label offerings. Known for its longstanding commitment to U.S.-based production, Nester Hosiery will also continue Fox River’s tradition of manufacturing high-quality socks for the U.S. military—strengthening its role as a key supplier to the federal government.
”The City of Mount Airy is honored to collaborate with Nester Hosiery on this exciting economic development effort,” said Darren Lewis, City Manager, from the City of Mount Airy. “As a long-standing pillar of our local economy, Nester Hosiery continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to job creation and community growth. This initiative aligns with the Mayor and Board of Commissioners’ dedication to supporting local businesses and advancing sustainable development in Mount Airy. We are truly grateful that Nester Hosiery has chosen to expand its operations and product offerings in Mount Airy, North Carolina. We sincerely appreciate their ongoing commitment to our community.
Nester Hosiery CEO Kelly Nester emphasized the company’s mission to preserve domestic manufacturing and strengthen its capabilities: “Fox River Mills has long been a highly respected brand in American sock manufacturing, with deep technical expertise and a robust customer base. By acquiring its assets and welcoming many of its team members, we are expanding our domestic production capabilities and preserving important industry knowledge and relationships that align with our commitment to U.S. manufacturing. This is an exciting new chapter for Nester Hosiery and a meaningful step forward for the Fox River legacy. We are grateful to the Fox River team and the Osage community for their collaboration and are committed to building on that foundation with integrity, innovation, and a continued focus on U.S.-made excellence.”
The Surry County Economic Development Partnership is proud to support Nester Hosiery through this exciting period of growth. This expansion reflects the power of local partnerships in driving innovation, strengthening industry, and creating meaningful career opportunities for our residents. SCEDP remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment where companies like Nester Hosiery can thrive, invest, and shape a vibrant future for Surry County.
For more information, please reach out to Blake Moyer, President & CEO (blake@surryedp.com)
