Middleway's Iconic Factory: From Woolen Mills to Kodak Shutdown
Manufacturing In Middleway — A Brief History
The Independent Observer | Tuesday, March 11, 2025
By S Pearson
The Independent Observer details the history of the former 3M/Kodak factory in Middleway, a site with roots dating back to the post-World War II era. Originally established by Berkeley Woolen Mills for fabric washing, the facility became a 3M factory in the 1960s before transitioning to Imation and then Spectratech, ultimately being acquired by Kodak. The factory, known for producing high-quality printing plates, faced significant workforce reductions over the years. As the manufacturing landscape shifted towards digital, the plant eventually ceased operations in 2015, reflecting broader changes impacting local industries in towns like Charles Town and Ranson.