Demand for synthetics has enjoyed continued growth in recent years on the popularity of athleisure and performance apparel, and Unifi is expanding its operations to suit. And with reshoring becoming increasingly relevant, the company is committed to accommodating customers looking to source product in the western hemisphere.
Synthetic apparel production in the region has seen continuous growth in the last five years, averaging 5 to 6 percent each year.
“We are very encouraged by the continued growth of synthetics in the U.S. and Central America, and the opportunities it presents for the textile industry,” Roger Berrier, Unifi’s president and chief operating officer, said. “We work closely with our customers to understand their production needs, and we are committed to investing in this region to provide the increasing amounts of synthetic yarn and other innovative products they require.”
The textured and processed yarns producer said it would increase its polyester texturing capacity in the U.S. and Central America to support the growing demand for synthetic yarns. Unifi will add texturing machines in Yadkinville and Madison, North Carolina and in El Salvador. The expansion will also support the growth of the company’s premier value-added product lines with brands like The North Face and Ford.
Unifi’s installation of new machinery is expected to be complete this June.
Augustine Tantillo, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Textile Organizations said, “The Unifi investment is another example of how the NAFTA and CAFTA regions are gaining share as they continue to become more economical sourcing options. Unifi’s investment in additional capacity in the U.S. and Central America demonstrates the Company’s commitment to sustain the growth and economic vitality we’ve come to expect in the region.”