Since 1854, the Peterboro Basket Company has been producing handwoven, hardwood baskets in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Last year, 168 years after its founding, the decision was made to close the factory.
As you probably know, Peterboro Baskets are principally made of U.S. grown, Appalachian White Ash, the same wood used in ax handles and baseball bats. For some years the Emerald Ash Borer beetle has reduced the availability of the wood used to make the baskets.
Other considerations when making this decision were:
• Extreme labor shortages for manufacturing the baskets
• Significant ongoing supply chain issues
• Owners that are ready to retire
Currently, the employees of Peterboro Basket have taken it upon themselves to continue making a limited number of baskets which are available online and in the factory outlet. Through a modified process of preparing the wood, and obtaining a small supply of Ash, the employees are able to offer some baskets for a limited time.
With warm regards,
