A Little MLI History

In 1990 Major League, Incorporated begin manufacturing operations located in McCaysville, Georgia.  The company was started as a contract cut and sew manufacturer primarily servicing the private label apparel industry.  Employment in 1990 was approximately 20 associates.  As the operation begin to grow and evolve Major League moved its headquarters to Tellico Plains, TN to take advantage of an experienced well trained workforce that was available. 

In 1994 the North American Free Trade Agreement was passed and Major League was one of the first sewing contractors to “head south of the border” to take advantage of this expanded playing field in Mexico.  Major League’s first plant in Mexico started operations in March of 1994 in Diaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas and we still manufacturer there today.  The Diaz Ordaz plant is located two miles from the US border.  Major League added a second facility in 1997 in Francisco I. Madero near Torreon, Coahuila.  With this new plant 6 hours from the US border Major League was strategically positioned for long term growth.

In 2002 during a strategic planning meeting the Major League team unanimously agreed to diversify its product mix.  The goal was to pursue non apparel type products that were more of a niche type business but continue an apparel manufacturing relationship with a select group of customers.  With that commitment the team at Major League felt a name change was in order to further demonstrate its commitment to its new direction.  In 2004 Major League officially changed its name to ML Industries, Inc. (MLI).

In 2009 MLI hired over 1,000 new associates and purchased two state of the art buildings with over 300,000 square feet of air conditioned manufacturing space.

Today MLI has achieved its goal of diversifying product mix.  As we at MLI continue a strong strategic relationship with our long time apparel customers we have seen significant growth in the non apparel side of our business.  Today MLI manufacturers 180,000 automotive airbags per week as well as seat covers; wind energy covers; marine covers; military covers; and seat inserts for major players in the automotive business. 

MLI’s automotive business continues to evolve. MLI has experienced 21 years of successful manufacturing both in the US and Mexico.