Apart from baseball gloves, Nocona manufactures (through its division “Nokona Leather Goods”) leather products such as belts, wallets, bags, backpacks, and footwear (boots, flip-flops). Other products by the company include t-shirts and caps. In past years, Nocona also produced other types of athletic equipment, including American football pads and helmets.
The company was founded in 1926 by the Storey family in Nocona, Texas. In 1934, The Nokona baseball glove was trademarked (spelled with a “k” when the United States Patent and Trademark Office would not allow the name of an incorporated town to be registered).
Keeping with tradition, the factory has always been family oriented and America-centered. The company first began selling wallets, purses, and belts, but during the Great Depression, sales were slumping. Then company president Robert E. (Bob) Storey decided to manufacture baseball gloves. Storey had played baseball for Rice University before becoming President of the Nocona Leather Goods Company in the 1930s. The business turned around, and within six years, Nocona was only making sports equipment. The name was changed to Nocona Athletic Goods Company in 1956.
During the 1960s, many sports manufacturers moved from the United States to Asia, where materials and labor are cheaper. However, Storey would not move. He has reportedly said that he would rather quit and go fishing than closeup his factory and move. Today, the company still hasn’t moved, and all of their gloves are American-made. Bobby Storey, Robert’s son managed the company from 1973 to 1991 and is still chairman of the board.
On July 16th, 2006 the Nokona factory at Walnut and Baylor Streets catches fire and burned for two days. President of the company, Rob Storey, Robert’s son reassures employees that, “the company is not the building, but the people.” All employees are paid throughout the interruption in business. After 51 days, Nokona employees get back to making gloves, produced at 901 E. Hwy 82 in the former factory of the Nocona Boot Company. Nokona operates from this location for two years.
Most recently, Nokona is celebrating its roots with the reintroduction of Nokona Leather Goods, handcrafting belts, bags, and small carry goods in the U.S.A., all made with Nokona Ballglove specialty leather. Nokona represents classic American workmanship and expertise, using techniques developed over the past 85 years, so that all of our products can be used with great confidence and pride.
President Donald J. Trump hosted his third “Made in America” product showcase at the White House.In a tribute to American workers, President Trump invited companies large and small from all 50 states to join this year’s celebration on the South Lawn. NOKONA was chosen to represent the great state of Texas!
According to forbes.com. en.wikipedia.org. Source of photos: internet
