Ken Simpson named new mill manager of Echoview Fiber Mill

Echoview Fiber Mill, a full service animal-fiber processing facility in Weaverville, NC, has announced Ken Simpson as the new Mill Manager.

Simpson joins Echoview Fiber Mill with over 30 years of experience in the textile industry. For the last 12 years, Simpson was the acting mill manager for a plant that processed natural fibers and has held previous appointments as a corporate quality assurance manager for a textile company, and manager of a chenille spinning mill.

“We are thrilled to have Ken on board,” said Julie Jensen, the owner and director of Echoview Fiber Mill. “With Ken managing the mill, I can focus less on the day-to-day management and concentrate more on our sustainable textile mission.”

Echoview Fiber Mill is the first Gold LEED certified manufacturing mill with a commitment to eco-friendly animal fiber processing. At their processing facility, they use solar energy, geo-thermal wells, and sustainable materials as part of their sustainable mission. Services include cleaning, carding, pin-drafting, felting, spinning, twisting, and winding of animal fibers, for a range of independent customers and large fiber mills.

With Simpson taking up the post of Mill Manager, Jensen is excited to turn her attention towards natural dying and the development of a 100% North Carolina yarn. Currently, Echoview Fiber Mill produces their own line of yarn, partially sourced from their own animals, which they sell alongside local handmade goods in their in-house gift shop, and online store.

In his role as the new Mill Manager, Simpson says he is excited to work with a dynamic group of people that have a strong working knowledge of fiber processing.

“My intent is to work hand in hand with these individuals on the day-to-day mechanics of the mill, and to incorporate my knowledge of textiles to further the quality and craftsmanship of Echoview’s product,” he said.

Tours of the The Echoview Fiber Mill processing facility are free at 1:00 every Tuesday, or by appointment. The gift shop is open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm during the week and features yarn, clothing, art, honey, and gifts made from mill materials.

For upcoming events and classes, including registration for Echoview’s 2014 July Summer Camp for Girls, visit http://mill.echoviewnc.com.

About Echoview Fiber Mill

Echoview Fiber Mill is an eco-friendly, living wage certified animal fiber processing mill located just north of Asheville, NC. We provide quality fiber processing from washing fiber to making yarns or felt, and anywhere in between. We make sure that the fiber you send us is the fiber we return to you, and that every batch receives individualized attention. Our mill is committed to leaving a light footprint on the environment. Design elements like solar energy, geo-thermal wells, and sustainable materials help us achieve efficient, eco-friendly processing of your fiber, and won us the first Gold LEED Certification for a manufacturing mill.