Nester Hosiery, a U.S. manufacturer of socks and accessory footwear, announced that it has acquired the majority of assets of Fox River Mills, a sock manufacturer based in Osage, Iowa that is closing this fall and laying off 105 workers. Following the transaction, Fox River Mills will begin to wind down its production operations in Osage and manufacturing assets will ultimately be relocated to Nester’s headquarters in Mount Airy, N.C. Nester and Fox River staff are working together to ensure on-time delivery of product to all of Fox River’s customers throughout the transition. To provide opportunities for former Fox River employees and ensure continuity for customers and retail partners, Nester Hosiery plans to open a new product development and customer service center in Osage. The company also intends to employ most of Fox River’s sales, marketing and design staff as Nester Hosiery expands its brand and product portfolio. “Fox River Mills has long been a highly respected brand in American sock manufacturing, with deep technical expertise and a robust customer base,” Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery, stated in a press release. “By acquiring its assets and welcoming many of its team members, we are expanding our domestic production capabilities and preserving important industry knowledge and relationships that align with our commitment to U.S. manufacturing.” Fox River had been owned by the Lessard family since 1975, until it was sold to private equity firm LongWater in 2016. The Osage operation has been considered the longest continuously running hosiery mill in the country.