About Dickson

DICKSON INDUSTRIES, Inc. is a producer of quality, innovative knit fabrics, garments, and textile products for a multitude of target markets.

Since 1946, Dickson Industries has provided top-quality products and service to a multitude of national and international businesses. We’re a full-service company, offering custom-designed knit casings, stockinette, medical fabrics, lab and butcher coats, insulated garments, filtration fabrics and more. If you have a special request, we’ll put our experience to work for you, creating a custom-made product to meet your specific needs. Dickson Industries, Inc: Where your satisfaction is always our number one priority.

We are a 3rd generation, family-owned business, firmly committed to offering our customers quality products, fair pricing and unmatched customer service. We have a deep, longstanding commitment to customer satisfaction and the Dickson name guarantees integrity, innovation, competitive pricing, thoroughness and a commitment to you.

We recently qualified for SQF certification. Quality control, cost containment and complete customer satisfaction are our goals at Dickson Industries. We are continually upgrading our machinery, facility, and the training of our personnel to provide you with new and better products, always at competitive prices.

Our Mission

Through team success, Dickson Industries produces quality knit fabrics, garments, and textile products that are preferred throughout our target markets. This is achieved through our aggressive, proactive business attitude. Our strategic plan, which is encompassed by quality, integrity, satisfaction, and service generates longevity with our customers. Dickson Industries has been proud to provide excellent products and services during the past 74 years and we look forward to servicing our customers well into the future.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern. All of our products are fully guaranteed, and our research and development team are constantly working to better serve you as the customer.

  • Communication

    Communication is important to us as a business. We listen to your needs and suggest or develop new products to solve problems as well as save time and money. At Dickson Industries, our entire staff is available to promptly answer your questions.

  • Quality Control

    Quality control, cost containment, and complete customer satisfaction are our main goals here at Dickson Industries. We are continually upgrading our machinery, facility, and the training of our personnel in order to work towards providing you with new and better products, always at competitive prices.

  • Availability

    Availability and personal contact are important to us. Our centralized Midwest location allows us to offer quick delivery anywhere in the country. Our nationwide, knowledgeable, and thorough sales staff will not only meet with you on a regular basis, but will be available to consult with you as requested.

  • Relationships

    Relationships with our customers are very important to us! We will work closely with you to develop the right product for your needs. You can be sure that any product specifications developed for you will be kept confidential, and all products will be thoroughly researched and tested before being offered.

  • Product Selection

    Dickson Industries can provide you with all of your food, medical, and industrial fabric needs. Our food processing nets include our DeliKnit line of products, as well as our RoastKnit elastic netting. Our medical fabrics include surgical drapes, orthopedic fabrics, and infant caps. DrainKnit, our industrial division, covers all of your filtration needs.

  • Customization

    Special needs are routine here at Dickson Industries. You can rely on us to provide quality products, custom-made to fit your needs. We will be happy to work with you to accommodate special shipping, packaging, or delivery requirements, including immediate response to emergency solutions.

History of Dickson Industries

1940s

  • April 30th, 1946—Allied Manufacturing Co. was founded, and the stockinette business started at 115 SW 8th in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Allied’s primary product was cotton stockinette for the food processors (meat packers).
  • Arthur D. Dickson was hired as sales engineer and as a manufacturer’s representative. He also sold wire bound boxes, Krinkled Craft paper bags, Army Surplus, and equipment.

1950s

  • Throughout the 1950s, the company grew with the help of Arthur D. Dickson and his sales staff.
  • The owner of Allied Manufacturing Co. started Iowa Fiber, manufacturing Kapok orange life jackets for the United States Coast Guard, and left the leadership of Allied Manufacturing Co. to Arthur D. Dickson.
  • Iowa Fiber started their business on Court Ave, and in an unfortunate turn of events, the business burnt down, and subsequently moved to 2425 Dean Ave.
  • ADD is the only remaining employee in management.

1960s

  • Arthur D. Dickson purchased Allied Manufacturing Co, renamed it Dickson Industries, Inc., and purchased the Interstate Bakery Building at 325 SW 5th street.
  • The company started producing game bags.
  • In 1961, Arthur W. Dickson started employment at Dickson Industries at the age of 16. He worked in the warehouse (unloading boxcars, sweeping, loading freight), shipping, and receiving departments, and in the knitting room.
  • In 1963, the Classic DI-3 was introduced.
  • In 1965, the business expanded into Mexico for yarn and fabrics, which created many long-lasting relationships.
  • In 1969, Arthur W. Dickson became the plant manager.

1970s

  • Arthur W. Dickson becomes sales manager and hires 6 new salesmen.
  • In 1972, Arthur W. Dickson becomes president of Dickson Industries, Inc.
  • Introduced Butcher coat line.
  • Further expansion into Mexico, 5 maquiladoras manufacturing butcher coats (frocks) and insulated apparel.
  • Introduction of the Shoji Rami Beef Shroud to supplement shroud sales.

1980s

  • The company introduced products for the footwear industry, RoastKnit products, as well as Floas and Absorbent Technology items.
  • In 1982, Dickson began a working relationship with China, and hired a representative to negotiate for us with the purpose of manufacturing butcher coats (frocks) and insulated apparel.
  • Knitting operations opened in North Carolina and Tennessee.

1990s

  • In 1990, Arthur D. Dickson passed away.
  • The company introduced DrainKnit.
  • In 1993, the business flooded and there was a major financial setback. The business moved, ironically, to 2425 Dean Ave.
  • In 1998, the start of the DeliKnit business was formed.

2000s

  • In 2005, the company purchased 65 additional high-tech knitting machines.
  • In 2014, David Dickson became the president of Dickson Industries, Inc.
  • An additional office was opened in Dallas, TX.
  • DeliKnit production saw a major expansion.
  • The company entered the filtration industry.
  • In 2016, Dickson Industries Inc. began the SQF Certification process.
  • In 2017, the in-house embroidery business, Dickson Designs, began.

Today

  • Today the company has 49 employees, and has facilitated managerial and technical staff expansion.
  • The company operates 216 knitting machines, and offers complete cut and sew operations.
  • Dickson Industries Inc. acquired SQF Certification.
  • Current operations—50,000 square feet.