Governor Pat McCrory, North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced the arrival of King Charles Industries, LLC to Anson County. The textile company intends to hire 100 people over the next three years at its new $12.5 million manufacturing site.
“North Carolina remains the Southeast’s leading state for manufacturing employment with more than 461,000 jobs,” said Governor McCrory. “Our manufacturing economy is highly innovative, diversified and competitive at the global level and we are delighted to welcome King Charles Industries to Anson County.”
Since Governor McCrory took office in January of 2013, the state’s economy has generated more than 300,000 net new jobs.
King Charles Industries is a joint venture between Taiwan’s Kingwhale Corp. and Hornwood Inc, a 70-year-old North Carolina textile company. Kingwhale, founded in 1992, is a vertically-integrated provider of performance fabric and garments for the global apparel industry. The company was an official garment supplier for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Lilesville-based Hornwood makes an extensive line of products for buyers in the automotive, apparel, medical and other industries. It employs 350 in North Carolina.
“This announcement shows the broad-base of North Carolina’s manufacturing leadership,” said Secretary Skvarla. “With its innovation and global nature, King Charles Industries is a 21st century take on one of our state’s traditional manufacturing industries.”
King Charles Industries will employ 100 workers at its new operations in Anson County. Positions will include skilled operators, shift supervisors, warehouse personnel and others. The company’s payroll will add nearly $2.8 million in annual salary impact to the local economy.
“We are excited about the opportunity to build a new business with the latest in technology in Anson County,” said King Charles Industries Chairman Chuck Horne. “In addition to the State of North Carolina and Anson County, we owe a special thanks to North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership for their assistance”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. One NC grants also require and are contingent on financial matches from local governments.
“I welcome this leading-edge producer of performance apparel to Anson County,” said N.C. Senator Tom McInnis. “We look forward to King Charles Industries being a valued long-term member of North Carolina’s manufacturing community.”
“Congratulations to this global joint venture as it embarks on this exciting investment,” said N.C. Rep. Mark Brody. “The arrival of King Charles Industries highlights the close collaboration that exists among our local, regional and state economic development organizations. I appreciate the team effort that led to this significant opportunity for Anson County, and we are letting the world know that Anson County is open for business.”
Joining EDPNC and N.C. Commerce in supporting King Charles Industries’ new location are the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Anson County, the Anson Economic Development Partnership and North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Partnership.