By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE ó Unemployed textile workers are flocking to the new Tuscarora Yarns plant in China Grove, hoping for a job.
The company is taking applications in person, not online, at 308 E. Thom St.
Hundreds have applied.
Hours for applying are 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
Patricia Dunlap said she plans to apply for one of 124 new jobs at Tuscarora Yarns, which recently announced an expansion in China Grove. The yarn maker will move from 406 N. Main St. to the former Hanesbrands building on Thom Street over the next 12 months.
Dunlap said she worked in textiles for several years, operating a knitting machine and inspecting fabric. Most recently, she worked in a nursing home but was laid off in July.
Her $89 weekly unemployment check doesnít go far, Dunlap said. She has one child at home and helps raise seven grandchildren.
Her husband is a disabled veteran.
ěI never thought it would get like this, with jobs so scarce,î she said.
Although Dunlap said she would like to work with textiles, she would take any job at the new yarn plant, including cleaning the bathrooms.
ěHalf a loaf is better than no loaf,î she said.
A small portion of the new facility is up and running, said Phil Absher, human resources director for Tuscarora Yarns. Capacity at the plant will increase as new machinery is installed, he said.
Applicants need textile experience, and Tuscarora Yarns will provide additional training through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Absher said.
ěWe have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of applications coming in,î he said.
The 57 employees at the current location on North Main Street can transfer to Thom Street, he said. In all, the company will have about 200 people at the new plant.
Applicants also can send a resume to Absher at pabsher@tuscarorayarns.com.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.