In 1850, Boston Industrialist Benjamin Bates formed Bates Manufacturing, a textile mill in Lewiston, Maine. The company, in various forms and under various owners, would continue to do business for almost 150 years, developing a national reputation for its elegant bedspreads and other stylish fabrics.

The Bates Mill Store opened in the 1950’s by Bates Manufacturing to provide an outlet for second quality bedspreads and to offer employees bedspreads at a discount.

Although the textile industry in America has changed over the years, we continue to be the factory direct supplier of Bates style and quality bedspreads. These bedspreads are woven by the last generation of Bates employees, who are now the first generation of employees of Maine Heritage Weavers.