The sweatshirt was born here. Now, Russell Athletic is leaving Alexander City

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (WRBL) – In 1902, a few months after a fire destroyed most of Alexander City, 26‑year‑old Benjamin Russell opened a small textile factory with 10 sewing machines and 8 knitting machines. That shop would grow into Russell Athletic, a brand stitched into American sports.

In 1926, Russell’s son, Bennie—quarterback at the University of Alabama—asked his father to fix the team’s itchy, shrinking wool practice jerseys. Russell Sr. reworked a cotton top from the women’s line, adding a sweat‑wicking V‑shaped insert and reinforced neck. By 1930, the modern sweatshirt was born—right here in Alex City.

Now, more than 120 years later, the company is shutting down its hometown distribution center. Parent company Fruit of the Loom says 80 jobs will be cut by Sept. 29. Spalding’s distribution will continue at the site, keeping about 120 employees. At it’s height the city was home to 5,000 Russell Athletic workers.

The closure was detailed in a federal WARN notice—required by law for large employers planning mass layoffs or plant closures. The notice, filed with the Alabama Department of Commerce, states:

• Initial Report Date: 08/01/2025

• Planned Starting Date: 09/29/2025

• Company: Russell Brands LLC Distribution Center

• City: Alexander City

• Planned # of Affected Employees: 80

• Closing or Layoff: Closing