Riverdale Mills, Pioneers of the Modern Wire Lobster Trap, Celebrates 45 Years on National Lobster Day - September 25

NORTHBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation celebrates National Lobster Day, Riverdale Mills marks a major milestone: 45 years of manufacturing excellence and industry leadership. The Massachusetts company's flagship product, Aquamesh®, revolutionized the lobster industry and is now used to build over 60% of all lobster traps in North America.

In the early 1970s, Jim Knott, Sr., a part-time commercial lobsterman, looked out over a working waterfront and saw potential for change. Wooden traps were heavy on deck, vulnerable to shipworm damage, and prone to drifting in the stormy waters of the North Atlantic.

Knott and his son, Jim Knott, Jr., believed there had to be a better way. Rolling up their sleeves, they developed Aquamesh®, a marine-grade welded wire mesh engineered to withstand the ocean's harshest conditions. Strong, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting, they believed Aquamesh traps were lighter, safer, and far more durable.

Lobstermen from Massachusetts to Maine helped prove the Knotts right. Their willingness to test and trust the new gear transformed lobster fisheries across North America. 

"Riverdale's roots are in the fishing harbors of Gloucester, MA and the working waterfronts of Maine," said current CEO Jim Knott, Jr. "Our commitment has always been to the hardworking men and women in the lobster industry. Aquamesh supports sustainable fishing and helps preserve a way of life in coastal communities. Celebrating alongside National Lobster Day is especially meaningful to us."

For 45 years, Riverdale Mills has manufactured its entire line of wire mesh products at its Northbridge, Massachusetts facility, using thousands of tons of steel annually. Amidst rising steel tariffs and intense global competition, Riverdale has remained steadfast in its commitment to American manufacturing, product excellence, and sustainability.

Today, the company exports 40 percent of its products worldwide, offers over 3,500 mesh configurations, and recycles nearly all steel byproducts from its operations. Part of its production is powered by clean hydroelectric energy, reinforcing its dedication to environmental responsibility.

As Riverdale looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to support American manufacturing, empower the global fishing community, and deliver innovative welded wire mesh solutions that keep people safe and economies strong.

About Riverdale Mills

Riverdale Mills Corporation is a global leader in welded wire mesh solutions. Founded in 1980, the company manufactures Aquamesh®, the industry standard for lobster traps; WireWall®, a high-security fencing solution, and more than 3,500 specialized wire mesh configurations for critical industries worldwide. Headquartered in Northbridge, Massachusetts, Riverdale exports to more than 60 countries, with 40 percent of its products serving international markets. Learn more at www.riverdale.com.

SOURCE Riverdale Mills Corporation