Founded in 1917 by A. Leon Capel Sr., Capel Inc. remains a family-owned and operated business that is America’s oldest and largest importer and manufacturer of area rugs. The company began when industrialization and machine power replaced horse-driven farm production. Mr. Capel transformed his Gee-Haw plow line company into a braided rug business. Still headquartered in Troy, the company operates facilities and sales offices around the world.