Milano Hat Set to Open New Site

NEW YORK – Milano Hat Co., a unit of Dorfman Pacific Co., is set to open a 68,000-square-foot facility in Garland, Tex., on Aug. 16.

The new state-of-the-art facility – which will combine production, distribution, customer service and numerous other functions – is the culmination of a plan put in place by Richard Milano, president of Milano, and Douglas Highsmith, president of Dorfman Pacific, when Dorfman acquired Milano in 2004. The company said it also represents its commitment “to making cowboy hats where they belong—in Texas!”

Founded in 1982 by Richard Milano’s father, John Milano, who remains active, the company initially employed six people and was based in a 12,000-square-foot factory. Today it employs 75, produces western headwear under labels including Larry Mahan and Justin, and produces hats ranging from $20 at retail to $1,000 for some of its custom-made products.

John Milano was inspired by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale to come to the U.S., and Peale helped find him his first job in America, as a hat salesman. He received the Horatio Alger Award in 1976 based on Peale’s nomination.

The opening of the Garland facility will include factory tours and parties.