Glenoit Fabrics: all American once again
06/04/2009
A US textile manufacturing operation got under way on April 1. The new venture is a joint project involving Glenoit Fabrics and Tarboro Textiles in North Carolina. Under the name Glenoit Fabrics TT Corporation, it will make pile fabrics for customer organisations that are keen to have fast turnaround, as well as high levels of quality and customer service.
Glenoit was forced to sell its sliver knit division to a rival, Shanghai Haixin, in 2002. Three years later, it hired experienced textile executive Bill Trienekens to restructure this division.
One of the steps that Mr Trienekens took was to set up a cooperation with Tarboro Textiles. Under the leadership of Tarboro’s president, Jerry Howard, the operation built up a strong enough reputation to win the backing of a local investor, making the launch of the new company possible.
“Tarboro Textiles and the dedicated, skilled workforce provided the crucial turnaround for the US sliver knit operation,” explained Mr Trienekens. “The cooperation between Glenoit and Tarboro Textiles was so successful, that Haixin decided to exit the textile manufacturing business in North America and entrust the business to Jerry Howard.”
For his part, Mr Howard said: “Our customers are looking for sources close to home. We understand them and we know how to provide solutions in textiles and services that will add to their bottom line. We are excited about the opportunity, we have the support of the workforce, our suppliers and community,and most importantly of our customers.”
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