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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Confucius once said, "Those who wear comfortable, good-looking socks will have a fruitful and long lasting life." Well Hillary Lin, president of Lin Manufacturing and Design in Logan, probably says it better with the motto of her company — "Keep your feet in Lin Socks and be happy."
Hillary was a student at Utah State University in 1991. She and her husband loved Cache Valley and wanted to be business owners. Hillary's father had great expertise in the design, engineering and manufacturing of the machines that are used to make stockings. So they decided to start a sock-manufacturing factory in Logan. Her brother now has the capability to build the machines for the business.
Lin Manufacturing has now opened another large manufacturing plant in China that has more than 350 machines turning out a variety of socks in many patterns and designs. Plans are now finalized for an additional plant in China to compliment the Logan facility. This expansion has resulted in great growth for the company. In 2003, the factories had $8 million in annual sales. This year they will do $20 million, and the forecast for 2005 shows another dramatic increase.
The company specializes in high-quality novelty socks. Disney, Target, Wal-Mart and Nordstrom regularly place orders with the company. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the company was the licensed manufacturer for logo socks.
A special niche market has evolved with bicycle enthusiasts. Lin manufactures a special sock that uses two special yarns to absorb moisture, and there are reflective bands around the socks that are visible at night. As cyclists pedal the bike, their feet make bright arcs from the reflective bands. Hillary and Lin Manufacturing really know how to produce a quality sock from concept to completion.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
