Manning's beginning dates to 1967 in New York City when Edward N. Manning and Daniel J. Pressman founded Manning Fabrics Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of laminated cotton canvas for athletic and casual footwear. In 1968 manufacturing operations were started in St. Pauls, North Carolina and in 1971 corporate offices were moved from New York City to North Carolina. After Daniel Pressman's death in 1970 Edward Manning became majority owner and in 1978 he purchased remaining minority interests. Today ownership and management remains in the Manning Family.

From that beginning the company prospered and has grown into a diverse manufacturer with an array of products designed to provide coated and laminated material solutions for many end uses.