About Us

In 1932, during the prime of a bustling textile industry, Tom Oates founded Manual Woodworkers and Weavers (MWW). Our privately owned company, nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, quickly established itself as an innovative force in the gift and decorative accessories industry.

By the time Lemuel Oates and his wife Sandra took over Manual Woodworkers in the early 1970s, the company was more successful than ever, enjoying year-over-year demand and growth. The country motif was then in fashion and Manual Woodworkers offered products–such as braided rugs–that became nationwide hits. In fact, sometimes the business was so successful that stock literally sold out in moments. In 2008, Travis Oates and Molly Oates Sherrill, third generation co-owners of Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, rebranded the company as MWW, Inc. In the same entrepreneurial spirit as their parents and grandparents before them, Travis and Molly saw a need for manufacturing- and distribution-related third party fulfillment service, as well as MWW’s continued focus on high quality and personalized service.