New textile jobs planned for N.C.

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Burlington firm hiring 100 workers

A new business operating in a former Burlington Industries plant in Burlington recently announced that it intends to hire 100 workers next year to manufacture elastic, non-woven products.

VitaFlex will use patented technology developed by De-Sheng Tsai, who is president and chief scientific officer of the business, a unit of Burlington Technologies. The Burlington-based company was formed by former Burlington Industries executives after the textile giant filed for bankruptcy.

VitaFlex's technology enables lower-cost production of non-woven fabrics, which are used in disposable diapers and a host of other products, said Susan Heaton, director of sales and marketing.

Medical sock maker to expand Ellerbe factory, add jobs

Another textile company plans to expand its Richmond County operations, offering some measure of economic relief for a region with a jobless rate above the state average.

Knit-Rite will modernize and expand its factory in Ellerbe that makes specialty socks for diabetics and other medial hosiery products, Gov. Bev Perdue's office announced this morning. The company will receive a $24,000 state grant if it creates 24 new jobs paying average annual wages of $22,533.

The Kansas-based company already employs 44 at its operations in Ellerbe, about 90 miles southwest of Raleigh.

Yarn company to expand in Richmond County, add 135 jobs

A yarn company based in Richmond County plans to expand its operations and add 135 jobs during the next three years.

Richmond Specialty Yarns will produce specialized yarn for the military, medical and furniture markets. The company already employs 140 people at its operations in Ellerbe, about 90 miles southwest of Raleigh.

The company is eligible to receive a $150,000 state grant if it creates the new jobs and retains the existing ones, Gov. Bev Perdue's office announced today.

Richmond County yarn maker grows

A yarn company based in Richmond County plans to expand its operations and add 135 jobs during the next three years.

Richmond Specialty Yarns will produce specialized yarn for the military, medical and furniture markets. The company already employs 140people at its operations in Ellerbe, about 90 miles southwest of Raleigh.

The company is eligible to receive a $150,000 state grant if it creates the new jobs and retains the existing ones, Gov. Bev Perdue's office announced Monday.

Textile plant to open as another closes

Tuesday brought mixed news for the state's textile industry.

Parkdale Mills said it will close a plant in Sanford by June 30, putting 81 people out of work. But Sustainable Textile Group announced plans to open a new facility to the west, in Rowan County, and intends to create 223 jobs during the next two years.

The closing in Sanford is a blow to Lee County, which already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. About 40percent of its workers are employed by manufacturers, and the county has felt the brunt of this recession.