Despite the once rich textile industry of Spartanburg County suffering today, a company called Green Textile Associates, run by a family for four generations, has continuously shown signs of growth. The company is all set to celebrate its 76th anniversary this year at its corporate headquarters at 190 Bellew Carver Road near the west side.
Founded in October 1938 by Sydney R Green in Boston, in November 1938, Green Textile got an approval to do business in South Carolina. Green, who had five daughters, passed the executive leadership duties on to his son-in-law, Maurice J. Simon in 1952. His son John S Simon, who is now 75, served as President of the company from 1984 to 2001 and then his son Simon became President in 2001.
Green Textile originally processed spinning mill waste for manufacturers, including Spartan Mills, Mayfair Mills and various other companies. However, its operations continued to expand through the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, as the company began moving into the double-knit polyester and finishing business.
The company has since evolved, developing the capability to produce its own fabrics.
Now it manufactures materials including apparel, home textile, industrial and medical industries. Green Textile also produces organic cotton and fabrics made from other eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester, PLA, bamboo, hemp, Modal and Tencel. The company witnessed growth of 21 per cent, compared to 2012.
Recently, it tied up with footwear giant New Balance, to close a loophole in the Berry Amendment that would specify the US government must provide American-made athletic shoes to new service members. Green Textile produces fabric for the tongue, eye row and linings for a version of New Balance's 950, a Berry Amendment-compliant sneaker made entirely from products made in the US.
