J&M Manufacturing

Myong and Joseph Tillery are stubbornly clinging to an industry that has drastically downsized in the United States over the past few decades.

The married couple have operated their clothing manufacturing business, J&M Manufacturing, in the building for more than 20 years, producing everything from dance- and sportswear to hospital gowns, flags and banners for companies across the country, Joseph Tillery said.

The company launched in 1994, after Myong Tillery, 61, who worked with another manufacturing business in the building, decided to start a company of her own.

Joseph, 65, soon signed on and they expanded, employing more than 50 employees for almost a decade before paring its workforce.

Today, the Tillerys and four employees attempt to keep up with the demands of an evolving industry that has largely been outsourced overseas.

The couple have bought screen-printing equipment, combining it with their standard cut and sew services, embroidery, and heat pressing to create special graphics and patterns requested by clients and major clothing companies. Work fluctuates, Joseph Tillery said. “It’s been tough with domestic clothing manufacturing,” he said, attributing their survival to the many clothing companies that need customization and a quick turnaround. “But we seem able to keep rolling.”

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