In 1930, at the peak of the Great Depression, Julius Caplan and his son, Hyman co-founded Keystone Weaving Mills (then named Keystone Silk Manufacturers) in the heart of Dutch country-- Lebanon, Pa to produce silk lining fabrics for men's and woman's apparel  The father-son duo chose to name the company after the Pennsylvania State symbol - the Keystone, because it represents a central, cohesive source of support and stability-- a concept that would prove to see the company through both prosperous and challenging times.

KW grew throughout the 1930's and 1940's as ownership  sought out and produced innovative, more diversified fabrics.  In the late 1940's the company purchased new shuttle looms (producing dobby fabrics), and later acquired Jacquard heads for many of the weaving machines.  The progressive, niche looms enabled the company to explore newer, more intricate fabrics and produce some of the most beautifully woven jacquard and dobby fabrics in the industry then and now.

By 1960, KW took on new leadership and began further diversifying and expanding it's products.  Eli and Perry Caplan, sons of Hyman Caplan, continued the tradition of excellence and the legacy of manufacturing the highest quality fabrics when they took hold of the company reigns in 1963.  To keep up with the progressive fashion trends of the '60s and increasing customer demands, KW began developing and weaving new, blended fabrics.  The company began combining synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate with natural materials like cotton and wool-- once again proving their versatility and flexibility.

Years of product diversification and market strength had always been part of the strategic plan for KW in terms of securing its future as a premier weaving mill, but on September 5, 1997, a devastating fire destroyed the production facility and the Caplans found themselves up against an even more formidable adversary the challenges of the growing overseas competition - Mother Nature.  Although the fire was deemed one of the worst industrial fires in Lebanon history, the Caplan family immediately pledged to rebuild the plant, service their customers and stand by their employees.  And they did just that!  Just sixty-seven days after the fire, KW was back in production of its quality fabrics thanks to its loyal employees and customers. 

Today, Eli's son, Sloan, continues to grow the business with a focus on quality and integrity.  Despite the challenges of the decline in the American textile industry, KW remains committed to domestic weaving and manufactures 100% of its fabrics in the United States.

From its flexible looms to its experienced employees with an average tenure of 20 years, KW has exacted the science of survival in today's competitive textile market.  For nearly 80 years, KW has invested in the production and design of quality fabrics, maintained integrity in its business dealings with associates and customers and held a genuine commitment to the community in which we live and operate.