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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Town of Jonesville and the Union County Development Board recently announced that Textile Trends will establish its new production facility in Union County. The nearly $440,000 investment is expected to generate 100 new jobs.
“Union County has a history in the textile industry and so offered the perfect fit for our company. The county had a building to suit our needs and a workforce with the skill set we were looking for. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials and we look forward to becoming a part of South Carolina’s business community,” said Johnny Winkler, Roy McCulley and Jack Walker, the co-owners of Textile Trends.
Textile Trends is a start-up company that will produce finished linen products used in the hospitality industry, such as napkins, table cloths and aprons. The company will establish its new cut-and-sew operation in the old Milliken building located at 305 Pacolet Street.
“It’s exciting to see a start-up company like Textile Trends locate in Jonesville because of what it says not just about Union County but about our entire state: businesses large and small recognize South Carolina as a place where they can grow. We welcome them,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“Our state has a long tradition in the textile industry and we look forward to Textile Trends becoming the newest member of that sector in South Carolina. Start-up companies play an important role in our state’s economy and this announcement is another sign that our efforts to encourage entrepreneurship are paying dividends,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“We welcome the addition of Textile Trends to the Jonesville community and to Union County,” said Andrena Powell-Baker, executive director of the Union County Development Board. “Because of our rich and vibrant history in textiles, the company was able to identify the vacant Milliken Packaging building as an ideal location. They moved very quickly to lease the facility and began the process to initiate operations. They will be supplying a growth industry, so we are anticipating much success from this new startup company. The forecasted hiring of 100 people is great news for the state of South Carolina, Union County and the Town of Jonesville.”
“On behalf of the citizens of Jonesville and its Town Council, I want to personally welcome Textile Trends to our town,” said Jonesville Mayor Ernest Moore. “I am sure there are many people who are just as appreciative as the Council that the company chose our community to locate their business. Jonesville and the surrounding area offers a diverse talent pool of good people who need steady work and who would provide any company with valued associates. We look forward to working with the company and helping it grow for the good of all.”
“Textiles have always been the backbone of Union County and I’m glad to see the industry making a comeback,” said state Sen. Harvey Peeler. “We’re excited that Textile Trends has decided to locate its operations in South Carolina.”
The company will begin the hiring process in early May. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the Union County Workforce Center at 864-427-5672 or 864-427-4119 at that time.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. In 2010, Commerce recruited a record 20,453 new jobs and $4.1 billion in capital investment. Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive the Silver Shovel Award in 2010 from Area Development magazine. Trade & Industry Development magazine selected two projects recruited by Commerce and its allies in 2010 for the magazine’s annual Corporate Investment & Community Impact Awards. Commerce’s efforts have resulted in the successful recruitment of numerous world-class companies such as Boeing, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
