Quick Answer

Yes, Russell Brands (Russell Athletic) hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As a major apparel manufacturer operating facilities across the southern United States, Russell Brands offers accessible manufacturing employment:

• Production Worker: $14-20/hour (sewing, assembly, apparel production)

• Machine Operator: $16-23/hour (operating production equipment)

• Warehouse Associate: $15-21/hour (material handling, distribution

• Quality Inspector: $15-20/hour (quality control, inspection)

• Career Path: Production Worker → Lead → Supervisor ($40k-$60k/year)

Table of contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Russell Brands

3. Does Russell Brands Hire People with Felonies?

4. Russell Brands Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. Russell Brands Background Check: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Russell Brands with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Apparel & Textile Manufacturing Companies

9. Final Thoughts

About Russell Brands

Russell Brands, LLC operates as Russell Athletic and manufactures athletic apparel, uniforms, and activewear with manufacturing facilities primarily in Alabama, Georgia, and Honduras, employing approximately 5,000 workers in the United States. Russell Brands produces team uniforms, athletic apparel, and activewear for schools, colleges, professional teams, and retail consumers. As an apparel manufacturer, Russell Brands offers accessible employment for people with criminal records due to manufacturing labor shortage in textile and apparel industry, behind-the-scenes production work with minimal customer interaction, entry-level sewing and production positions requiring no experience, temp-to-hire pathways through staffing agencies, various shifts including overnight with premium pay, promotion from within manufacturing culture, and physical production work in 2025.

Why Russell Brands Is Accessible for Felons:

1. Manufacturing labor shortage - Textile and apparel industry constantly hiring

2. Behind-the-scenes production - Factory floor sewing and assembly work

3. Entry-level accessible - No experience required for production positions

4. Temp-to-hire common - Work through staffing agencies, convert to permanent

5. Multiple facilities - Apply to several Russell plants in Alabama/Georgia

6. Various shifts - First, second, third shift with overnight differential

7. Physical production work - Straightforward manufacturing duties

8. Case-by-case evaluation - Individual assessment, not automatic rejection

Does Russell Brands Hire People with Felonies?

Russell Brands Hiring Approach (2025): Russell Brands evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case following apparel manufacturing industry standards that prioritize work ethic, reliability, sewing and production skills (or willingness to learn), and attendance over criminal backgrounds in most cases. Russell Brands manufacturing facilities face constant labor shortage in textile industry making hiring more accessible. Plant managers and supervisors have discretion in hiring decisions for production positions. Temp agencies provide easiest gateway into Russell Brands employment through temp-to-hire assignments where proving reliability on temporary assignment leads to permanent hire. Many people with various felonies work successfully at Russell Brands across production, sewing, warehouse, and quality control positions in 2025.

What Russell Brands Considers:

• Work ethic and reliability (attendance critical in manufacturing)

• Physical capability for standing and repetitive work (8-10 hour shifts)

• Time since conviction (1-3+ years better but flexible due to hiring needs)

• Sewing or manufacturing experience (valued but not required)

• Willingness to work various shifts (overnight pays $1-2/hour differential)

• Temp agency performance (temp-to-hire pathway common)

• Position type (production most accessible, office roles more scrutiny)

  
  

Most Accessible Russell Brands Positions: Production Worker (sewing, assembly), Machine Operator, Warehouse Associate, Material Handler, Quality Inspector (entry-level), Packer, Maintenance Helper

What Convictions Are Widely Accepted: Non-violent felonies, drug convictions (if clean now and can pass drug test), property crimes, DUI/traffic violations (not driving positions), probation violations, theft convictions (context-dependent)

What Faces Scrutiny: Violence (workplace safety with machinery), arson (factory fire concerns), sexual offenses (shared facilities), active warrants

Russell Brands Application Strategy: Apply through temp agencies (Manpower, Randstad, Express Employment) for easiest entry—prove yourself on assignment, convert to permanent Russell employee. Apply directly to Russell facilities in Alexander City, AL and other locations. Emphasize reliability and willingness to learn manufacturing. Show shift flexibility (overnight shifts easier to fill). Be honest about background if asked during interview. Manufacturing labor shortage creates accessible hiring.

Russell Brands Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

1. Production Worker / Sewing Machine Operator

   Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year)

   Operating industrial sewing machines producing athletic apparel and uniforms, following production patterns and specifications, sewing garment components and assembly, meeting production quotas and quality standards, working in team production environment, maintaining sewing equipment and workstation, various shifts with fast-paced repetitive work.

   
   

   Why Most Accessible: Primary entry-level manufacturing position with highest hiring volume, training provided on industrial sewing machines, behind-the-scenes factory production, no experience required (learn on job), temp agencies place many workers in production, straightforward repetitive sewing work, prove reliability for advancement to lead operator or supervisor.

   
   

2. Machine Operator / Textile Equipment Operator

   Pay: $16-23/hour ($33,000-$48,000/year)

   Operating textile and apparel production machinery including cutting machines, printing equipment, and automated production systems, loading materials and monitoring machine operations, making adjustments to equipment, performing quality checks, troubleshooting basic machine issues, maintaining equipment cleanliness and safety.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Technical machine operation with training provided, higher pay than general production, behind-the-scenes manufacturing, mechanical aptitude valued, advance to senior operator or maintenance technician, production equipment constantly needs operators.

   
   

3. Warehouse Associate / Material Handler

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working in Russell Brands warehouse handling raw materials and finished products, receiving and organizing inventory, operating forklifts and pallet jacks, supporting production with timely material delivery, loading and unloading trucks, maintaining warehouse organization, using inventory management systems.

   
   

   Requirements: Physical capability for lifting and moving materials, forklift certification helpful (may be provided).

   
   

   Why Accessible: Behind-the-scenes warehouse operations, straightforward material handling, forklift operation opportunity, physical labor-focused, supports production operations, temp-to-hire common, warehouse labor shortage.

   
   

4. Quality Inspector / Quality Control

   Pay: $15-20/hour ($31,000-$42,000/year)

   Inspecting finished apparel products for defects and quality issues, measuring garments to specifications, identifying production errors or damaged items, documenting quality data, ensuring products meet Russell standards before shipping, supporting continuous improvement.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Quality inspection with training on standards, attention to detail valued, behind-the-scenes production support, straightforward inspection procedures, advance to quality assurance specialist or quality supervisor.

   
   

5. Packer / Shipping Associate

   Pay: $14-19/hour ($29,000-$40,000/year)

   Packing finished athletic apparel and uniforms for shipment, preparing boxes and packaging, labeling packages, organizing shipments by customer, operating packing equipment, maintaining packing area organization, meeting packing quotas.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Entry-level packing and shipping work, straightforward repetitive duties, behind-the-scenes fulfillment, physical work, training provided, temp agencies place workers in packing roles.

   
   

6. Cutting Room Operator

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Operating fabric cutting equipment and machines, cutting textile materials to patterns and specifications, preparing cut materials for sewing production, maintaining cutting equipment, ensuring accurate cutting and minimal waste, following safety procedures with cutting machinery.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Technical cutting operation with training, behind-the-scenes production preparation, precision work valued, advance to senior cutter or cutting supervisor.

   
   

7. Maintenance Technician / Industrial Mechanic

   Pay: $20-30/hour ($42,000-$62,000/year)

   Maintaining and repairing apparel production equipment including sewing machines, cutting equipment, and facility systems, troubleshooting machine breakdowns, preventive maintenance, electrical and mechanical repairs, minimizing production downtime, ensuring safe equipment operation.

   
   

   Requirements: Industrial maintenance experience, mechanical and electrical skills, ability to troubleshoot production equipment.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Skilled trade with shortage of qualified maintenance technicians, technical skills valued, critical to production operations, case-by-case evaluation, behind-the-scenes equipment maintenance, advance to maintenance supervisor.

   
   

8. Screen Printing Operator

   Pay: $15-22/hour ($31,000-$46,000/year)

   Operating screen printing equipment applying designs and logos to athletic apparel, mixing and preparing inks, setting up printing screens, monitoring print quality, ensuring accurate colors and alignment, maintaining printing equipment, working with various textile printing processes.

   
   

   Requirements: Printing experience helpful but training provided, attention to detail, color awareness.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Specialized printing operation with training, artistic/technical combination, behind-the-scenes production, advance to lead printer or printing supervisor.

   
   

9. Forklift Operator

   Pay: $16-22/hour ($33,000-$46,000/year)

   Operating forklifts moving raw materials and finished products throughout facility, loading and unloading trucks, organizing warehouse inventory, supporting production material flow, maintaining forklift equipment, following safety protocols and procedures.

   
   

   Requirements: Forklift certification required (often provided by employer or temp agency).

   
   

   Why Accessible: Certified skill demonstrates commitment, forklift operators in high demand at manufacturing facilities, higher pay than general production, temp agencies provide forklift training, straightforward material transport.

   
   

10. Production Supervisor / Team Leader

    Pay: $40,000-$60,000/year salary

    Supervising production workers on shift, ensuring production quotas and quality standards met, training and developing employees, maintaining safety compliance, managing shift operations, scheduling staff, troubleshooting production issues, reporting to plant management.

    
    

    Requirements: Typically 2-3 years Russell production experience, demonstrated leadership, proven reliability and production knowledge.

    
    

    Why Accessible: Russell Brands promotes from within, reliable production workers advance to lead and supervisor roles, criminal record doesn't prevent promotion with strong performance over time, many supervisors started as production workers with records and proved dedication.

Russell Brands Background Check: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): Russell Brands conducts background checks after conditional job offer. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (state-dependent). Temp agencies also conduct background checks but temp-to-hire provides employment pathway—work as temp, prove reliability, convert to permanent Russell employee. Russell evaluates convictions case-by-case considering time elapsed, conviction nature, rehabilitation, and position requirements. Apparel manufacturing labor shortage creates more flexible evaluation.

Timeline: Background check typically 3-7 business days. Some positions hire pending background check clearance due to urgent production needs.

What May Disqualify: Violence (workplace safety with machinery and teams), arson (factory fire concerns), sexual offenses (shared facilities with locker rooms), active warrants

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing common at Russell Brands manufacturing facilities in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with machinery). Random drug testing during employment varies by facility. Zero-tolerance for positive results in most cases. Must pass drug test to get hired.

How to Get Hired at Russell Brands with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply Through Temp Agencies FIRST

   Easiest entry: Apply to Manpower, Randstad, Express Employment, Adecco targeting Russell Brands assignments. Work as temp, prove reliability and production ability, convert to permanent Russell employee. Temp-to-hire overcomes direct-hire barriers.

   
   

2. Apply Directly to Russell Facilities

   Apply at russell.com/careers or visit facilities in person. Primary U.S. manufacturing locations: Alexander City, AL and other Southern facilities. Bring resume and ID, ask for HR or hiring office.

   
   

3. Emphasize Reliability and Work Ethic

   "I'm reliable, physically capable, and want stable manufacturing career" resonates with hiring managers desperate for dependable workers. Manufacturing values attendance and consistency.

   
   

4. Show Shift Flexibility

   "I'm available any shift including overnight and weekends" valuable. Apparel manufacturing runs multiple shifts. Overnight shift (11pm-7am typically) pays $1-2/hour differential and easier to fill.

   
   

5. Highlight Manufacturing or Production Experience

   Any manufacturing, warehouse, production, or physical labor experience relevant. "I've worked in [manufacturing/warehouse] and understand production environments" demonstrates fit.

   
   

6. Demonstrate Willingness to Learn Sewing

   "I'm willing to learn industrial sewing and production skills" shows commitment. Russell provides training on sewing machines and production procedures—no experience required.

   
   

7. Be Honest About Background

   If asked about convictions during interview, be honest. Brief explanation: "I have [type] conviction from [year], completed requirements, focused on stable manufacturing work. I'm committed to proving myself through reliable performance."

   
   

8. Pass Drug Test

   Pre-employment drug testing required at most Russell facilities. Must be clean. If currently using, focus on sobriety before applying to manufacturing positions.

   
   

9. Apply to Multiple Manufacturing Facilities

   If multiple Russell facilities in region, apply to all. Also apply to other apparel and textile manufacturers for maximum opportunities (see Similar Companies below).

   
   

10. Start in Any Position Available

    Accept any Russell production position offered—production worker, warehouse, packing. Prove reliability over 6-12 months, then apply internally for advancement or preferred roles. Getting hired is first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Russell Brands hire convicted felons?

   Yes, Russell Brands hires people with felony convictions case-by-case in 2025. Apparel manufacturing labor shortage creates accessible hiring. Production Worker ($14-20/hr) most accessible with industrial sewing and assembly work, Machine Operator ($16-23/hr), Warehouse Associate ($15-21/hr). Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Apply through temp agencies (Manpower, Randstad) for easiest entry via temp-to-hire pathway. Behind-the-scenes manufacturing work with minimal customer interaction.

   
   

2. Will Russell Brands hire me with a felony?

   Likely depending on conviction type and approach in 2025. Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Drug convictions acceptable if clean now (must pass drug test). Apply through temp agencies for easiest entry—prove yourself on assignment, convert to permanent. Target production worker or warehouse positions (most accessible). Violence faces scrutiny due to machinery and team environment. Apply to Russell facilities in Alabama and Georgia. Manufacturing labor shortage increases hiring accessibility.

   
   

3. What is the most accessible Russell Brands position?

   Production Worker / Sewing Machine Operator at $14-20/hour operating industrial sewing machines producing athletic apparel, training provided (no experience required), behind-the-scenes factory production, straightforward repetitive work, highest hiring volume, temp agencies place many workers, various shifts including overnight differential, prove reliability for advancement to lead or supervisor.

   
   

4. Can you work at Russell Brands with a drug conviction?

   Yes if time has elapsed and you can pass pre-employment drug test in 2025. Russell Brands focuses on current sobriety not past drug convictions. Drug convictions 1-3+ years old widely acceptable. Must pass drug testing to get hired and maintain sobriety during employment. Random drug testing may occur. If currently using, focus on sobriety first before applying to manufacturing positions.

   
   

5. How far back does Russell Brands background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history in most states in 2025 (some states limit background checks to 7 years by law). Temp agencies conduct checks but temp-to-hire provides employment pathway. Russell evaluates case-by-case. Apparel manufacturing prioritizes work ethic and reliability over extensive background investigations due to labor shortage.

   
   

6. Does Russell Brands automatically reject felons?

   No, Russell Brands does not automatically reject people with felonies—case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Apparel manufacturing labor shortage creates flexible hiring. Work ethic, reliability, and physical capability matter most. Violence and arson face most scrutiny but not automatic rejection. Temp-to-hire through staffing agencies provides accessible pathway. Many Russell employees have criminal records and work successfully.

   
   

7. Can you work at Russell Brands while on probation or parole?

   Yes if hired. Many Russell Brands production employees manage probation/parole alongside manufacturing work in 2025. Manufacturing shifts (first 7am-3pm, second 3pm-11pm, third 11pm-7am) structured with breaks. Be upfront about PO appointment needs after hired. Stable manufacturing employment ($29k-$42k starting) demonstrates rehabilitation. Apparel manufacturing jobs common for people on supervision.

   
   

8. Does Russell Brands drug test?

   Yes, pre-employment drug testing common at Russell Brands manufacturing facilities in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with machinery and production equipment). Random drug testing during employment varies by facility. Zero-tolerance for positive results typically. Must pass drug screening to get hired. If cannot pass drug test, focus on achieving sobriety before applying.

   
   

9. Can felons advance at Russell Brands?

   Yes, Russell Brands promotes from within in manufacturing in 2025. Many Production Supervisors ($40k-$60k) started as production workers with criminal records and proved reliability over 2-3 years. Career path: Production Worker → Lead Operator → Supervisor → Plant Manager. Performance and reliability matter more than background for advancement. Manufacturing experience and production knowledge valued for promotions.

   
   

10. Is Russell Brands felon-friendly?

    Yes, Russell Brands is generally felon-friendly in 2025 with case-by-case evaluation typical of apparel manufacturing industry. Production Worker positions ($14-20/hr) accessible with behind-the-scenes factory work. Temp-to-hire through staffing agencies provides easiest entry. Various shifts including overnight with premium pay. Manufacturing labor shortage creates hiring accessibility. Apply to Russell facilities in Alabama and Georgia. Many Russell employees have criminal records across production, warehouse, and supervision roles.

    
    

11. What benefits does Russell Brands offer?

    Russell Brands offers manufacturing benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, shift differential for nights ($1-2/hour extra), overtime opportunities (manufacturing often exceeds 40 hours/week earning 1.5x pay), employee discounts on Russell Athletic apparel, career advancement opportunities, and skills training in sewing and production.

    
    

12. How long is Russell Brands hiring process?

    Russell Brands hiring varies by method in 2025. Temp agencies place workers within 3-7 days for immediate production work via temp-to-hire. Direct hire: online application → phone screen (3-7 days) → in-person interview (1 week) → conditional offer → background check and drug test (3-7 days) → orientation and start (2-3 weeks total). Manufacturing labor shortage speeds hiring. Some facilities hire pending background check for urgent needs.

Similar Apparel & Textile Manufacturing Companies

Athletic Apparel Manufacturers:

• Hanesbrands (Hanes, Champion, Playtex - multiple manufacturing facilities)

• Gildan Activewear (t-shirts, athletic apparel manufacturing)

• Under Armour (some U.S. manufacturing operations)

• Nike (limited U.S. manufacturing, mostly overseas)

General Textile & Apparel Manufacturing:

• Textile mills (yarn, fabric production)

• Cut-and-sew operations (garment assembly)

• Uniform manufacturers (Cintas production, Aramark manufacturing)

• Home textile manufacturers (bedding, towels)

General Manufacturing (More Accessible):

• Food production (Tyson, JBS, Pilgrim's Pride - $14-21/hr, very accessible)

• Automotive manufacturing (Ford, GM, Toyota - $16-26/hr)

• Electronics assembly (Jabil, Flex - $16-24/hr)

• General manufacturing (250,000+ U.S. facilities, production $15-22/hr)

Why Apparel Manufacturing Accessible:

• Labor shortage in textile and apparel industry

• Behind-the-scenes production work

• Entry-level positions with training provided

• Physical work, repetitive nature

• Temp-to-hire pathways common

• Various shifts with differential pay

• Case-by-case hiring evaluation standard

Final Thoughts

Russell Brands offers accessible employment for people with felonies through case-by-case evaluation in apparel manufacturing industry experiencing labor shortage. Production Worker / Sewing Machine Operator ($14-20/hour) most accessible position with industrial sewing work, training provided (no experience required), behind-the-scenes factory production, and various shifts including overnight differential ($1-2/hour extra). Temp agencies provide easiest entry through temp-to-hire assignments—work as temp at Russell facility, prove reliability and production ability, convert to permanent employee. Machine Operator ($16-23/hour) and Warehouse Associate ($15-21/hour) provide alternative accessible pathways. Career advancement realistic with Production Supervisor ($40k-$60k) roles promoted from within over 2-3 years. Apply to Russell facilities in Alabama and Georgia plus temp agencies (Manpower, Randstad, Express Employment) simultaneously for maximum opportunities.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Russell Brands is felon-friendly with case-by-case evaluation

• Production Worker $14-20/hour most accessible (sewing, behind-scenes, training provided)

• Apply through temp agencies FIRST for easiest entry (Manpower, Randstad, Express)

• Machine Operator $16-23/hour, Warehouse $15-21/hour (alternative accessible paths)

• Overnight shift pays $1-2/hour differential, easier to fill

• No experience required—industrial sewing training provided on job

• Behind-the-scenes apparel manufacturing, minimal customer interaction

• Apply to Russell facilities: Alexander City, AL and other Southern locations

• Violence faces most scrutiny (machinery and team safety)

• Career path: Production → Lead → Supervisor ($40k-$60k) over 2-3 years

• Pre-employment drug testing required—must pass to get hired

• Temp-to-hire overcomes direct-hire barriers—prove yourself first

• Manufacturing labor shortage creates accessible hiring

• Apply to multiple apparel manufacturers simultaneously for maximum opportunities