Staff report
A state grant announced today is likely to close the deal on bringing a new textile company and 223 jobs to China Grove.
Gov. Bev Perdue announced that Sustainable Textile Group LLC, a national manufacturer of fabric made from pre-consumer waste, will establish a new facility in Rowan County. The company plans to invest $11 million and create 223 jobs in China Grove during the next two years.
According to the Perdue press release, the announcement was made possible in part by a $300,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“This is likely to close the deal. This makes things look better,” said Robert Van Geons, executive director of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission.
Van Geons said other state assistance will include tax credits for job creation and money for customized worker training.
Monday night, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners approved a five-year incentive package which will rebate 75 percent of the companies taxes.
The China Grove Board of Aldermen is expected to consider a similar incentive package at its meeting this evening.
“North Carolina continues to support growth in our evolving textile industry and offers companies the opportunity to adapt and tap into new markets,” said Perdue in the press release. “Our state is the ideal place for companies to relocate and expand, thanks to our skilled workforce and top business climate.”
Sustainable Textile Group LLC is part of the Sustainable Solutions Network of companies, which includes Sustainable Solutions Inc., Strateline Industries LLC and Circle LLC. The companies offer a range of products and services. Those include non-woven fabrics made from regenerated cotton fibers. The fabric is used in items such as personal wipes and other non-woven materials for the home furnishing, medical and automotive industries.
Sustainable Textile Group plans to start a new operation in the vacant Hanesbrands facility on Thom Street, China Grove. The plant will produce yarns from regenerated fibers. The 223 new jobs will pay an annual average wage of $29,141, not including benefits.
“The common misconception is that ‘green’ always costs more. It is our goal to produce items that are, first of all, better products, cost the same or less and are sustainable. Utilizing ‘waste’ as a raw material, we create high-quality products that are then sold globally,” said Joy Nunn, founder and CEO of Circle LLC, where sustainable patents and technologies are owned and managed.
“With the assistance of Gov. Bev Perdue and local leaders, Sustainable Textiles Group LLC is able to re-open a closed textile facility, produce competitively priced and high-quality products, and offer job opportunities to hundreds of North Carolinians. It is a win-win-win situation.”
The One N.C. 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. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other project partners include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, the N.C. Department of Revenue, Rowan County, Town of China Grove and Duke Energy.
For more information about Sustainable Textile Group LLC or the other companies within the Sustainable Solutions Network, including employment opportunities, go to www.circleglobal.net or call (479) 621-7004.