TEXTILES.ORG
Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, a recognized leader in the production of specialty coatings and coated fabrics, has announced that Congressman Joe Wilson, U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s second congressional district, toured their production facility recently and saw firsthand the innovative and historic contributions the company has made that are now used worldwide.
“The history of this institution really goes back,” Wilson told a group of employees. “This is the beginning of the textile industry in our state, which is still very, very important to the people of South Carolina.”
Founded more than 60 years ago, Graniteville continues to thrive as a leading manufacturer of specialty coatings for fabric developed for a variety of uses, many for military purposes. “We discussed with Congressman Wilson our goals for making a positive economic impact on our community,” said Jim Egan, president of Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. “The Congressman was pleased to visit our facility and see firsthand a South Carolina manufacturing company that is prospering and continuing to invest in our state. It is a positive sign and speaks to the perseverance of our state’s textile industry.”
Egan and other facility personnel showed Wilson and his staff the processes that take place at the facility, from creating and testing fabric coatings to be used in military uniforms and tents for weather and safety purposes, to creating fabric for use as boat covers, aircraft needs, and even everyday items like ironing boards and media signage.
Wilson said what intrigued him most is how companies throughout the state work together. Graniteville uses products in its processes that are produced by Clariant Corp. in Allendale County, part of the district that Wilson currently represents.