SALISBURY — Gildan Activewear is the mysterious “Project East” that wants 28 acres of free county land and tax incentives in exchange for 184 new jobs and a $127 million textile plant.
Gildan is already building a $43 million yarn-spinning plant on Heilig Road that will employ 200 people. The Montreal-based company is renovating the shuttered PGT Windows plant and so far has hired 30 people.
Now, Gildan is considering Rowan for a second textile facility, next door to PGT.
The T-shirt and underwear-maker announced plans earlier this week to open two more facilities somewhere in the southern United States. A notice posted on Rowan County’s website for a public hearing on an economic incentive grant confirms that Gildan is considering Rowan for one of the plants.
Robert Van Geons, executive director for RowanWorks Economic Development Commission, said he’s optimistic.
Read more in Friday’s Post.