John Hanly woollen mill is steeped in tradition. In 1893, Denis Hanly and his son John set up a vertical woollen mill beside the Nenagh river, in a disused flour mill. Local farmers sold their fleeces to the mill, where wool was spun and carded and then woven into blankets and flannel fabric. In 1950, a fire destroyed much of the factory, reducing it from six to two storeys and destroying the adjoining family home. After that, the mill continued, but ceased its spinning and finishing, leaving just weaving as its core business.

Today the company has over 117 years of experience and Brian Hanly, the fourth generation of Hanlys, proudly continues the traditional production. The mill in Ballyartella remains the beating heart of the company. The river drives a water turbine generating the energy for the mill. John Hanly & Co. supply top brands, designers and quality retailers across Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, U.K., U.S.A., Spain, Japan and Korea.