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Marshall Rauch founded Rauch Industries in 1952 as a thread manufacturer, based in Gastonia, N.C. Seeking alternative uses for thread, he came up with the idea of wrapping thread around Styrofoam balls to make the classic satin ornaments of the 1960s and 70s. The company ultimately branched out to producing glass and ceramic ornaments as well. While he sold off the ornament business in the mid-1990s, he stays busy with a multitude of other business ventures. Rauch also served as a North Carolina state Senator from 1967 to 1990, representing the 25th district.

