Plant expansion will introduce new workers to textile industry

Construction of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics plant expansion in Norlina, N.C., is progressing on schedule, and equipment installation will begin in April. The Norlina plant manufactures synthetic yarn to be woven into the company’s flagship product, Sunbrella. 

More importantly, Glen Raven also plans to add an anticipated 200 jobs. The hiring process is being done in groups of 20 to 30 at a time, allowing new employees to complete training and to receive more individualized attention as they prepare for their new positions. Hiring will continue through 2023 until the company is fully staffed. 

Glen Raven’s existing employees will play a key role in helping new associates learn the daily operations and to become skilled with the new technology, says Plant Manager Todd Wemyss. “As we start to install equipment, we hope to have a blend of experienced and newly-hired people,” he says. “We hope to build knowledge and enthusiasm for the same purpose: ungraded technology.”

The expanded plant is expected to reach partial operation by the middle of this year.