The North Carolina textile sector has made a slow climb back from near extinction to a growing, vibrant center of the US textile industry. The state’s diverse textile workforce encompasses more than 42,000 skilled professionals, including some 28,000 workers that comprise the largest textile mill industry in the US. That represents more than ten per cent of the 2,22,000 working in the textile apparel and home goods sector across the country in May.

North Carolina also has a strong business environment. At three per cent, North Carolina has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the US, while its average industrial electricity rates run more than eight per cent less than the US average. Large apparel and textile companies, such as Gildan Activewear and Unifi and VF, have already established their headquarters in North Carolina.

RK Industries, a large apparel manufacturer based in India, opened its first US factory in the state last year. The company has had long-term relationships with US brands and saw a chance to better serve them by opening a facility in the US amid the increased demand for faster order turnarounds taking shape in recent years. The facility has been doing well, with capacity of 700 to 800 woven shirts a week and plans to grow to 1200 pieces a week.