Gildan Yarns, a yarn-spinning company, will create 85 jobs in Rockingham County, N.C., Governor Roy Cooper announced. The company will invest approximately $5 million to revamp and operate a new yarn spinning mill in Eden.
“Eden and Gildan Yarns have been great economic partners, and it makes sense with their existing presence and the strong workforce that they would expand,” said Governor Cooper.
Gildan Yarns is the yarn spinning division of Gildan, a leading apparel manufacturer headquartered in Montreal, Canada. This new location will be the company’s fifth state-of-the-art yarn spinning mill in North Carolina. Eden is also home to Gildan’s first large scale distribution center.
“We are very pleased to expand our operations in the Eden community and to invest in a new yarn spinning facility,” said Chuck Ward, President of Gildan Yarns. “This will be the company’s seventh yarn spinning facility in the U.S. We are particularly proud to contribute to creating an additional 85 jobs in Eden in the next year as we open and ramp up our new operation.”
“Gildan Yarns’ decision further solidifies our leadership in the textile industry,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “North Carolina has more textile manufacturers than any other state and a world-class pipeline of textile talent to continue Gildan’s global operations.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company’s decision.
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average for all new positions could reach up to $37,707. The current average annual wage in Rockingham County is $34,716.
A performance-based grant of $250,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Gildan Yarn’s operation in Rockingham County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Gaining 85 new jobs is great news, and we welcome Gildan Yarns’ expansion in Eden,” said N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger. “The economy is positioned for more growth like this because of low taxes, an incredible university system, and a top-notch workforce.”
“Gildan Yarns’ investment is a win for everyone,” said N.C. Representative Jerry Carter. “With a strong, capable workforce and great infrastructure, the people of Eden are ready to support Gildan for many years to come.”
In addition to N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, Rockingham County Economic Development Office and City of Eden.