The Steelers yesterday said that Pittsburgh-based company Little Earth Productions will "take over manufacturing and distribution for the team's best-known souvenir," the Terrible Towel, according to Kim Leonard of the PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW. Little Earth for the past six years has "turned out women's accessories" with NFL logos, ranging from "purses to cowgirl hats and dishwashing gloves." Steelers Merchandising Manager Tim Carey said that Wisconsin-based McArthur Towel made the towels starting in '98, and Minnesota-based WinCraft Inc. "inherited the business upon acquiring McArthur a few years ago." Per the new arrangement, towels will be "imported from producers worldwide, and Little Earth will add holograms and tags and box and ship them to retailers." Little Earth Owner Rob Brandegee said that he "should be making Terrible Towels within two months." About 20 varieties have been sold, "ranging from camouflage to holiday versions." But Brandegee said that the line "will grow further." The Steelers "hope Little Earth can raise the towel's popularity." Brandegee added, "Think collectible" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 2/20).
