Textile firm to expand NC yarn operations

Gildan Yarns LLC, a subsidiary of Gildan Activewear Inc., expects to invest more than $250 million to build a yarn-spinning facility behind its Salisbury location, which is currently under construction, and another one in Mocksville, as well as to expand and renovate its Clarkton location.

“Our investments in our yarn-spinning operations will support our projected sales growth and further reinforce our position as a global low-cost manufacturer. The state-of-the-art product technology to be used in these facilities will continue to differentiate the product quality of Gildan-branded products,” Gildan Yarns President Chuck Ward said in a statement.

The company makes apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, socks and underwear, under the Gildan, Gold Toe and Anvil brands.

Salaries for the new jobs will average more than $32,270 a year, plus benefits.

Gildan was awarded a Job Development Investment Grant of up to $3.5 million by the state Economic Investment Committee. Under the grant, the company can receive 50 percent of the state withholding taxes on the new jobs over 12 years, provided that it meets annual job-development targets.