Douglas Co. buys former manufacturing plant in Keene

Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 8:45 pm

Douglas Co. Expands Operations in Keene, Citing Tariff Challenges

Keene, NH – Douglas Co., a family-owned plush toy manufacturer, has acquired a former manufacturing plant in Keene, signaling a significant expansion of its warehouse and shipping capabilities. The company, led by President Scott Clarke, purchased the former Smiths Medical plant for $8.6 million earlier this month. Smiths Medical had announced the closure of the plant in 2024, a consequence of its acquisition by ICU Medical in 2022.

The acquisition provides Douglas Co. with a 150,000-square-foot facility and 20 acres of land, offering ample space for future growth. This move comes after the company had previously purchased land with the intention of building a new facility. However, rising construction costs, exacerbated by tariffs, prompted a shift in strategy. Clarke cited the financial strain caused by tariffs as a key factor in the decision to seek an existing facility. The company had purchased land in 2024 with a plan to build from scratch.

Douglas Co. currently operates out of a facility on Krif Road, employing 70 people. The company plans to sell the land it had previously purchased on Black Brook Road. The expansion is driven by the need to accommodate growing order volumes and re-engineer its shipping department. The company designs its toys locally and outsources manufacturing to China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Finished products are then shipped to the port of Newark, New Jersey, and trucked to Keene for distribution.

The company's product line includes a wide variety of plush toys, with current trends highlighting the capybara. The company was founded in 1956, initially focusing on infant toys.

BNN's Perspective:

The acquisition highlights the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate. While the expansion is a positive development for Douglas Co. and the local economy, the company's concerns regarding tariffs underscore the ongoing debate about their impact on American businesses. The company's decision to adapt to changing economic conditions demonstrates resilience and a commitment to growth.

Keywords: Douglas Co., Keene, plush toys, manufacturing, expansion, tariffs, Smiths Medical, ICU Medical, shipping, warehouse, business, economy, Scott Clarke, New Hampshire, jobs, growth, capybara, infant toys

Full Story