--- title: Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY description: Caught Between Stagnation & ProgressThe textile industry, one of the oldest in the U.S., is also one of the sickest. For many a company the depression started three years ago—and it has got... canonical: https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/ author: TIME article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 1954-09-27T05:00:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-03-19T15:45:06.552Z article:section: U.S. og:title: Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY og:description: Caught Between Stagnation & ProgressThe textile industry, one of the oldest in the U.S., is also one of the sickest. For many a company the depression started three years ago—and it has got... og:url: https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY twitter:description: Caught Between Stagnation & ProgressThe textile industry, one of the oldest in the U.S., is also one of the sickest. For many a company the depression started three years ago—and it has got... twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- * [U.S.](/section/us/) # Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=8663f27b-cc53-4679-9073-c80620791523&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [TIME](https://time.com/author/time/) Sep 27, 1954 5:00 AM UTC by [TIME](https://time.com/author/time/) Sep 27, 1954 5:00 AM UTC Caught Between Stagnation & Progress The textile industry, one of the oldest in the U.S., is also one of the sickest. For many a company the depression started three years ago—and it has got steadily worse. As a result, a great wave of mergers is sweeping through the industry, bringing a realignment of some of the oldest textile mills. Burlington Mills spent $33 million to buy Pacific Mills and Goodall-Sanford (TIME, July 26). M. Lowenstein & Sons bought control of famed old Wamsutta Mills. Mergers are now pending between Botany Mills and Daroff & Sons, and between Textron Inc., American Woolen and Robbins Mills. The mergers are either to put money-losing companies on a better competitive footing or to make profitable companies stronger for further rough times ahead. But few textilemen believe that in bigness alone there is strength. The industry is hampered by too many other problems, such as overproduction, bad management and labor troubles. The troubles began to crop up before World War II, when great technological advances in spindles and looms elbowed antiquated New England plants into obsolescence. In normal times these plants would have been forced to shut down. But World War II kept the demand climbing, and every plant hummed with war orders. At war’s end the pent-up demand from abroad brought a new flood of orders, and the Korean war also gave it a short-lived boost. Thus, for more than a decade, the demand for textiles has been artificially high. Readjustment to a shrunken, peacetime market was further complicated by a drop in exports as war-torn nations got back in the markets again. Result: U.S. exports of cotton goods, which totaled 1.5 billion square yards in 1947, were down to 600 million square yards last year. As in other industries, textilemen were faced with rising production costs. But their problem was worse. Featherbedding was suffocating the highly organized mills of New England. For example, some union contracts specified that a millhand could tend no more than six looms, even though workers in unorganized factories were tending 18 or more. Thus many of the high-cost New England plants became marginal producers, or lost money heavily. Instead of shutting down marginal mills as demand fell off, most of the industry kept them going, often at a loss, in a vague hope that business would improve. Every problem in the factories was matched by problems or poor management in the executive offices. For example, American Woolen Co., which earned as much as $21 a share, paid out most of it in dividends, built up little reserve for modernizing equipment and building new plants. Furthermore, as synthetics became popular, some producers did almost no research on new weaves and styling to meet the new competition. The great flight of mills from the North to the South (where only 15% of mills are unionized v. 75% in the North) saved many a faltering company. Not only were labor costs cheaper in the South, but the new mills were far more efficient. The South has other advantages, e.g., it is closer to such raw materials as cotton and cellulose, and taxes are lower. But concentration of the industry in new areas is creating new problems for textilemen. So many companies have gone South that rising wages in some areas are almost as high as in New England. The cost of building schools and streets for new mill communities is forcing taxes up. Despite the closing of Northern mills, the industry is still saddled with too many antiquated, marginal mills. The Census Bureau’s 1950 count still showed more than 10,000 textile mills operating in the U.S., 73% of them with fewer than 100 employees each, compared to 6,400 mills in 1940. Nevertheless, amid all the troubles, some companies are showing the way out. Deering, Milliken & Co., Inc. has pioneered in combining synthetic and natural fibers and has found profitable new markets. Cone Mills has profitably boosted denim for men’s suits, curtains, etc. For many other companies mergers are probably the answer. Although it was profitably producing synthetics. Burlington Mills bought up Goodall-Sanford and Pacific Mills to diversify its cotton-and wool-producing facilities, thus have a hedge against the ups and downs in both the synthetic and natural fiber markets. Despite their troubles, textilemen believe that long-range prospects are good, since per capita consumption of textiles in the U.S. has been steadily climbing for more than 30 years, and there is every indication the trend will continue. But production is still outstripping sales. Thus things will probably get worse for the marginal producers—who may be forced to merge, shut down plants or go out of business—before they get better for the entire industry. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/"},"headline":"Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY","datePublished":"1954-09-27T05:00:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-03-19T15:45:06.552Z","description":"Caught Between Stagnation & ProgressThe textile industry, one of the oldest in the U.S., is also one of the sickest. For many a company the depression started three years ago—and it has got...","url":"https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/","keywords":[],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"TIME","url":"https://time.com/author/time/"}],"articleSection":"U.S.","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/us/","name":"U.S."}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/archive/6885052/business-the-textile-industry/","name":"Business: THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY"}}]}] ```