Shirt maker escapes closure – once again

As the nation’s oldest shirt maker, C.F. Hathaway has a venerable history dating back to 1837. In recent times, however, the plant has narrowly escaped closing several times:

. May 6, 1996: Warnaco Group, which owned the company for 36 years, decides to close the factory, citing global competition.

. Aug. 1, 1996: A group of local investors led by former Maine Gov. John McKernan purchases the factory.

. January 1997: New owners announce plans to hire more workers and unveil an advertising campaign resurrecting the once-famous logo, the man in an eye patch.

. Nov. 12, 1999: Workers approve a contract that includes better pay, an extra paid holiday and improved health care benefits.

. Oct. 18, 2001: Hathaway owners, citing an economic downturn, sell factory to Connecticut-based Windsong Allegiance Group.

. March 18, 2002: Windsong announces it will shut down the plant June 30. It cites economic conditions.

. May 2002: Hathaway scrambles and lands $5 million contract with Wal-Mart, giving factory a two-month reprieve.

. June 26, 2002: Donald Sappington, Hathaway’s CEO, says the Made in the USA Foundation is negotiating to buy the plant.