[Company] [Products] [Technical Information]

In 1940, V. B. Splawn began making temple rollers at home after work.  He worked in the weave room at the Plaid Mill of Burlington Mills.  Temple rolls are replaceable parts used on looms, which he had begun supplying to the mill.  Burlington Mills recognized this as a valuable service to the company, and they suggested that he quit working at the mill and go to work full time making these parts to supply them.  To accompany this suggestion, they gave him an order for 100,000 temple rolls. V. B. Splawn replied by telling them while flattered, he could not accept this order, as he did not have credit to buy this quantity of raw materials. Burlington Mills remedied this situation by offering to consign the raw materials to him and allow him to sell temple rolls to the mill until he could become self-sufficient.  This launched him into business.  The company became known as V. B. Splawn & Son, Inc., as his son Jerry joined the company.

Temple rolls were hollow wooden dowels covered with rubber, with specific spirals cut into the surface. Different types of cuts were used to hold differing types and weights of fabrics.  These were used on looms that eventually became obsolete.  The sale of these products led to the company supplying roller coverings, which is still a large part of the company’s sales today.