Marlette
History

History of Marlette Homes
Since the first home rolled off the line in 1934, the Marlette brand has stood for high quality and affordability. Today the name is not only the oldest, but one of the most respected in manufactured housing. Throughout the years, the brand has become an icon for the evolution of the industry.

Innovation — the 1930s and 40s
The early Marlette models, built in the 1930s, were more practical than plush, containing such necessities as coal heating stoves, portable water tanks, sofa beds and dinette chairs. By the 1940s, more luxury models were produced including a 50-foot portable home produced for the King of Egypt. Marlette led the industry in revolutionary designs. Steel frames, forced-air heating, built-in electrical appliances, and complete interior plumbing all appeared first in a Marlette home.

When the U.S. Government needed emergency housing during World War II, Marlette was the brand of choice. Out of necessity, a new product was born — the sectional home. More than 2,000 of these homes composed of 8-foot x 24-foot sections were provided for workers at the Tennessee Valley Authority. After the war, young families and retirees searching for low-cost, yet roomy housing began to discover the convenience of living in a Marlette home.

Growth — the 1950s, 60s, and 70s
In the 1950s, Marlette Homes began to include modern dinette sets, fluorescent lighting, Venetian blinds, custom-made bedroom dressers, modern plumbing, and shower doors. Superior production techniques such as “uni-strength” construction were introduced in the 1960s. The 1970s saw the addition of Marlette’s popular front kitchen floor plan.

Stability — The 1980s and 90s
In the 1980s, pioneering advances made Marlette Homes competitive with site-built homes in both appearance and construction standards. Marlette emphasized maintenance-free features and energy-saving designs. Marlette was at the leading edge of such developments as tape and textured painted drywall, natural wood cabinetry, architectural windows, and modular housing. A wide variety of spacious floor plans, cathedral ceilings, and solid construction all helped to continue the strength of the Marlette name and reputation throughout the nineties.

Opportunity — The New Millennium
As Marlette enters the new millennium, the brand continues to be tastefully designed with today’s families in mind. Current homes feature walk-in closets, efficient kitchens, luxury baths and functional living areas. Designs have changed over the years, but one thing has remained the same — the name Marlette is still synonymous with “quality” in the manufactured housing industry. This dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is what will continue to propel the Marlette brand into the 21st century and beyond.