Gastonia, N.C.-based yarn spinner Parkdale Mills Inc. is investing $85 million to expand its facilty in Rabun Gap, Ga., and add 210 jobs.
Parkdale acquired the Rabun Gap site from Winston-Salem, N.C.-based HanesBrands Inc. in 2009 after HanesBrands decided to discontinue its yarn production (See " HanesBrands To Sell Yarn Operations To Parkdale," TextileWorld.com, September 22, 2009). The 750,000-square-foot facility currently houses two plants that spin 100-percent cotton yarn for use in T-shirts and high-end activewear. Parkdale will use advanced technology to convert production in one plant to polyester/cotton blended yarn for use in performancewear.
The expansion will take place in two phases, with approximately half of the total jobs added in the first phase and half added in the second phase. Parkdale will begin installing equipment in early 2014, and expects the expansion to be completed by the end of 2014.
"The decision to reinvest in Rabun Gap was easy thanks to the community that has given us a warm welcome and the many state and local organizations that have aided our growth," said Lee Thomas, vice president of services, Parkdale Mills. "An investment of this magnitude could not take place without their support."
Parkdale currently operates 25 plants in the United States, Colombia and Mexico.
