SC Future Makers

Behind the Scenes: Milliken & Company – Innovating for the Future

Manufacturing is more than production – it’s about shaping the world around us. At Milliken & Company, innovation fuels every breakthrough, from life-saving protective textiles to advanced materials engineered for space exploration.

With 13 locations in South Carolina and 70 worldwide, Milliken is a global leader in textiles, chemicals, flooring, and healthcare solutions. Yet, its influence extends beyond products. A commitment to safety, collaboration, and progress defines its workplace culture, where employees don’t just contribute – they pioneer solutions that drive real impact.

Transforming Everyday Life Through Innovation

Milliken’s innovations seamlessly integrate into daily life, delivering performance that often goes unnoticed but is essential.

  • Protecting those who protect us – Milliken’s flame-resistant fabrics safeguard workers in high-risk industries, providing unmatched durability and comfort.
  • Advancing sustainable materials – Pioneering plastic clarifiers enhance clarity and strength in consumer goods while lowering energy consumption during production.
  • Revolutionizing firefighter safety – Milliken developed the first non-PFAS, non-halogenated moisture barrier, setting a new standard for protective gear.

Each of these innovations is more than a product, it’s a solution designed for safety, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring that manufacturing serves a greater purpose.

Innovation That’s Out of This World

Milliken’s impact extends beyond Earth. As NASA prepares for the Artemis missions, set to return humans to the Moon, Milliken plays a critical role in astronaut safety.

Leveraging its expertise in flame resistance, knitting, and finishing, Milliken developed next-to-skin protective fabrics that meet NASA’s stringent safety standards. From material evaluation to prototype development, Milliken’s manufacturing expertise ensures astronauts are protected at every stage of their mission.

A Culture of Safety, Trust, and Career Growth

At Milliken, safety is non-negotiable. The company doesn’t just comply with safety standards – it sets them. Every employee is trained to anticipate and manage risks, reinforcing a culture where “zero incidents” isn’t a goal—it’s an expectation.

“Nothing we do, and no product we produce, is more important than making sure our employees go home safe every single day.”

Beyond safety, career development is a cornerstone of Milliken’s culture. Through Milliken University, employees gain access to leadership training and skills programs designed to empower career growth. From team leaders to plant managers, every associate has a clear path forward.

For students seeking hands-on experience, Milliken’s co-op programs offer engineering students real-world exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, supported by mentorship from industry leaders. These programs bridge the gap between education and career, transforming STEM potential into dynamic professions.

Shaping the Future

From factories to homes – and even into space – Milliken proves that manufacturing is about more than making products. It’s about innovation, problem-solving, and making a difference. Whether enhancing worker safety, advancing sustainable materials, or preparing astronauts for space travel, Milliken is leading the future of modern manufacturing. You can be a part of what’s next. Explore opportunities at Milliken & Company.L.