Fifield

Fifield Inc. of Hingham, MA, has been a leader in fabrics since 1924. Specializing in fabrics for display and packaging, Fifield has expanded throughout the United States and to Asia, Europe, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand.

The company has earned its outstanding reputation through the quality of its products, creativity of its staff, on-time delivery and a commitment to extraordinary customer service.

Using modern technologies, Fifield offers a large choice of fabrics, available in a variety of styles and colors. Fifield fabrics are used in countless applications, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.

Our History

In 1924, Charles W. Fifield, author of the book, 'Along the Gloucester Waterfront', founded Fifield Inc. and chose a pair of majestic fishing schooners, the “Bluenose” and the “Gertrude L. Thebaud,” for his company's logo. Fifield admired the sturdiness and speed of these schooners that had plied the North Atlantic from the 1920s to the 1940s in search of cod. The schooners, inspiring reminders of Fifield’s long history of success, symbolize a progressive, innovative company standing ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Developments

Under the direction of Charles Fifield, and later, his son Richard, the company grew and prospered.

Its first product was a protective flannel, which was designed for the silver industry. During the 1930s, while remaining the premier supplier to the silver industry, Mr Fifield began developing other flannels to be used as covers for loose-leaf binders and ledgers. These cotton flannels were also used for lining wicker baby carriages. Later, Fifield upgraded this variety of flannels with a range of colors and styles that were used as inter- linings.

During the 1960s, Fifield developed Fi-Vel, the company’s first trademarked product. This economical, simulated velvet was used for jewelry display boxes and by the silver industry for bags and chest linings. The cost-effective value of this soft and plush fabric encouraged both industries to use flocked fabrics.

In the late 1970s, Fifield’s vice-president Randall Martin purchased the company from Richard Fifield and became president. Randall’s son, Edwin, who joined the company after college, was promoted to vice-president. Together, the Martins have built a successful company shaped by the enduring values and principles of the founder.

During this time, Fifield developed two new lines of simulated suede and velvet: Rich Suede and Rich-Vel. At the time of their introduction, these flocked fabrics, used in packaging and displays, were the most sophisticated man-made flocked products in the market. Charisma, an elegant, simulated suede, made of non-woven nylon and polyurethane, was launched shortly after.