Manhattan Industries
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Clothing manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Manhattan Shirt Company |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Founder | Lewis Levi |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Shirts and other garments |
Manhattan Industries originated as the Manhattan Shirt Company, established by Lewis Levi in 1857. The business grew significantly under his son, Abram Leeds, who transformed it into one of the foremost shirt manufacturers. Prominent brands associated with the company included Henry Grethel, The Vera Companies, John Henry, Perry Ellis, Lady Manhattan, along with Ohio's Union Company specialty outlets and Texas-based Frost Bros. specialty retailers.
The company was officially incorporated in 1912 and operated garment factories predominantly staffed by women across multiple states, including a notable manufacturing complex located in Paterson, New Jersey. Additionally, it was among the first occupants of the Emmet Building on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
From 1965 until 1974, Robert Lewis Leeds Jr. held the position of CEO before moving on to Remington alongside Victor Kiam. By 1977, Larry Leeds, serving as president and chairman, endorsed the establishment of Perry Ellis International.
In 1980, ownership of Frost Bros. transferred to the Julius Garfinkle Company based in Washington, while The Union Company was purchased by Marshall Field & Company, which subsequently merged the Ohio locations into its Halle Brothers chain.
After emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Salant Corporation launched a hostile takeover bid for Manhattan Industries in 1988 valued at $100 million, overcoming initial resistance from Manhattan’s board of directors.