Canada-based sportswear manufacturer Gildan Activewear Inc. has reported that, as part of its overall plan to integrate its recent acquisition of Kentucky Derby Hosiery, it is investing approximately US$7 million in a 400,000 sq ft retail distribution centre in Martinsville, Virginia.

The installation of equipment in this facility, together with associated warehouse management information systems, is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Gildan plans to close Kentucky Derby Hosiery's existing distribution centres at multiple sites in Danville, Virginia, and Mt. Airy, North Carolina, during the first half of fiscal 2007 and offer employment at the new facility to all of Kentucky Derby Hosiery's existing employees currently based at these locations.