Pacific Tile, 2288 Thornton St, Ferndale, WA 98248, US

For well over 100 years, Samson has been recognized as one of the leaders in developing and manufacturing braided ropes. Originally founded by J.P. Tolman in 1878, Samson Cordage Works was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1888. It was during the 1800s that Samson developed the unique concept of incorporating reinforcement cores within braids to significantly enhance product performance. In 1957, the engineers at Samson took this innovative concept another step further and developed synthetic double braided rope. Double braids are actually two ropes in one, a braided core rope is covered by a braided sheath. Utilizing the new, high strength nylon, polyester and polypropylene fibers in this patented construction allowed Samson to manufacture ropes that were far stronger and more durable than the three strand twisted ropes which had been the standard since biblical times. Headquartered in Ferndale, Wash., Samson Rope is a privately-owned company that employs more than 155 people.