(STAFFORD) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced American Woolen Company, Inc. is in the process of purchasing Warren Corporation’s operations and assets in Stafford Springs, which is one of the last working textile mills in Eastern Connecticut. The project will result in the creation of 38 Connecticut-based jobs over the next two years.

“The Warren Mills site is a reminder of the vital role our state and residents played in the emergence of the country’s vibrant manufacturing industry. To this day, it continues to be one of the most significant cultural, historical, and economic assets you will find in Eastern Connecticut,” said Governor Malloy. “It is a no-brainer for the state to support this project when you consider that this initiative will maintain an operating textile factory, strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector, clean up a contaminated brownfield property and, most importantly, put 38 residents back to work.”

In support of this initiative, the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide American Woolen Company with a $300,000 Job Creation Incentive Loan and a $100,000 matching grant through the Small Business Express Program (EXP).  Funds will be used to help cover building acquisition costs.

“This project wouldn’t have happened without the cooperation and support from Governor Malloy and his economic development team,” said Jacob Harrison Long, CEO of American Woolen Company. “The ability of staff at DECD and DEEP to coordinate efforts and meet tight deadlines was a real difference-maker.”

American Woolen Company closed Wednesday on the transfer of the equipment and property, owned by The Warren Corp., which ended production at the factory at the end of last year.  American Woolen will rehire many of the Warren employees as it ramps up production.

Officials from the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and DECD also worked together to advise the seller and buyer on risk mitigation issues associated the cleanup of the site.  American Woolen Company has been approved for liability protections as part of the Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup Program.