Glen Raven takes steps to grow domestic capacity

BURLINGTON, N.C. – Textile producer Glen Raven is planning to grow its domestic capacity by adding additional production facilities and a new distribution center in the U.S. The company will also add additional equipment to increase output levels for the custom fabric division which includes Sunbrella fabrics.

“As with many other industries, we’ve continued to battle unforeseen supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages,” said Dave Swers, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics division president. “We’re producing more Sunbrella fabric than ever before and are committed to investing a quarter of a billion dollars in our operations to support our customers in the long term.”

These investments represent phase two of a multi-phase expansion plan and build on the company’s phase one investments to expand production at all levels, from yarn to finished fabric. Phase three planning is also underway.

“We’re doing everything possible to better meet their expectations today and return to the service levels that have defined our reputation in the industry for decades,” Swers said.

The total of all three phases amounts to $250 million in investments and will increase the company’s production capabilities by more than 30%, in addition to creating more than 400 additional jobs across the country.

Phase two investments include:

• A new spun-yarn plant co-located with Glen Raven’s existing Norlina, N.C., facility to increase production output by more than double current amounts with approximately 315,000 additional square feet.
• Construction of a new distribution center in the U.S. with expanded inspection and sampling capabilities.
• A new modular finishing system to expand U.S. finishing capacity.
• Customized new equipment, which will not only increase capacity, but also operate more efficiently.

“We’re going to keep focusing on our partnerships and building for the future as demonstrated by these actions,” said Swers. “We remain resilient and determined to implement strategic initiatives that will make a positive and lasting impact for our customers, employees and the textile industry as a whole.”

Founded in 1880, Glen Raven Inc. is a family-owned company known for delivering innovative fabrics through a portfolio of global businesses built around leading brands.