North Carolina’s textile sector is shrinking.
On Wednesday, Elevate Textiles, Inc., the owner of Burlington Industries, filed a WARN notice with the North Carolina Department of Commerce that it will permanently close its finishing plant in Burlington, N.C. on Dec. 31, 2026. The closure will affect 150 employees. The plant finishes and dyes textiles.
Sourcing Journal’s request for comment from Elevate Textiles was not returned by the time of publication.
However, Business North Carolina reported that the company expects most production to be completed by Sept. 30. The facility will remain open during the notice period and employees will continue working their regular scheduled shifts based on customer orders and production needs. In the WARN notice obtained by the publication, Kristin Hughes, chief legal officer and human resources officer for Elevate Textiles, said the closing is the result of changing market dynamics and reduced production volumes.
“Despite efforts to identify new product lines, the identified volumes remain too low to maintain a viable operation,” she wrote.
The closure is a blow to the U.S. textile supply chain. Founded in 1923, Burlington produces performance synthetics, worsted wool and blended fabric and serves the military, performance apparel, medical and cleanroom, interior furnishings, uniform, and workwear markets. The company also operates facilities in China.
Burlington exhibited at Functional Fabric Fair in New York City last week. Earlier this month, the firm celebrated the commissioning of its newly modernized dyehouse at its manufacturing operation in Raeford, NC. The Raeford facility produces specialized fabrics used in military dress uniforms and currently supplies fabrics for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force.
At the time of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jeffrey P. Pritchett, Elevate Textiles CEO, said the investment “demonstrates our confidence in the Raeford operation, our employees, and the critical role this facility plays in supporting those who protect our freedoms.”
Elevate Textiles, Inc. also owns thread producers American & Efird and Gütermann and Safety Components, a performance textiles manufacturer for first responders, military, outdoor, marine and automotive. Last September, the Charlotte-based company sold its heritage denim business, Cone Denim, to Artistic Milliners.
