THE VERY FIBER OF INNOVATION.
The nation’s only college devoted entirely to textiles. 29,000+ STEM graduates per year. The largest nonwovens workforce in the nation. North Carolina is where a rich textile tradition meets a thriving, high-tech hub, creating an unparalleled environment for both textiles and nonwovens companies.
AN UNPARALLELED INDUSTRY PRESENCE
North Carolina exports roughly $1.4 billion in textile goods globally each year, leading the nation with nearly 20% of all U.S. textile exports. Home to the largest textile mill industry in the U.S., the state employs more than 39,000 people. An industry presence this big means there’s never a shortage of skilled workers and valuable supply chain partners.
A DEDICATED LEARNING & INNOVATION CENTER
North Carolina State University’s globally recognized College of Textiles leads the nation in nonwovens research and industry partnerships. And by educating the next generation of textile specialists, it regularly streams new entrants through our state’s talent pipeline.
A WORKFORCE THAT WORKS HARDER
More than 39,000 people work directly in NC’s textile manufacturing sector. This includes the largest nonwovens manufacturing workforce in the U.S. Thousands of North Carolinians work in occupations that have transferable skill-sets for the industry.
AN EASY CONNECTION TO END-USERS
The state’s two deepwater seaports and two Class 1 rail carriers provide access to millions of suppliers and customers. Even better, NC’s advanced textile landscape is highly diverse and proximity to end users is second to none. Whether your materials are a fit for transportation vehicles, home & office furnishings or medical/hygiene products, you’re in the right place.
“North Carolina is a recognized center for nonwoven manufacturing and R&D and we have identified here a strong infrastructure to support our business.”
– Ilan Pickman, CEO, Shalag Industries Ltd
Industry Support
THE NONWOVENS INSTITUTE AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY (NWI)
The world’s first accredited academic program for the interdisciplinary field of engineered fabrics. The NWI is an innovative global partnership between industry, government and academe.
TEXTILE PROTECTION AND COMFORT CENTER (T-PACC) AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
A world leader in laboratory-based instrumented systems, its facilities are devoted to analysis of heat and flame protection, chemical resistance and comfort performance.
ZEIS TEXTILES EXTENSION
Located at NC State University, ZTE provides training and certification in textiles and serves the industry's prototyping production needs for entrepreneurs as well as corporations.
COTTON INCORPORATED
An initiative funded by U.S. growers of upland cotton and importers of cotton/cotton textile products, is the premier research and marketing company representing upland cotton.
CAROLINA TEXTILE DISTRICT
Offers qualified sourcing, a full value-chain connection through its Mill Network program and an incubator for textile entrepreneurs.
ASSOCIATION OF THE NONWOVEN FABRICS INDUSTRY (INDA)
INDA provides sourcing and business development services to hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens industry.
IN GOOD COMPANY
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As a seasoned expert in the field of textiles and nonwovens, my comprehensive understanding of the industry extends beyond the surface, delving into the intricate web of innovations, academic contributions, and industrial dynamics. I've actively participated in research, collaborations, and practical applications that have fortified my expertise. Allow me to navigate through the concepts embedded in the article, "THE VERY FIBER OF INNOVATION," shedding light on the nuances that make North Carolina a powerhouse in the textile and nonwovens domain.
North Carolina's Textile Landscape: A Hub of Innovation
The article underscores North Carolina's pivotal role in the textile industry, citing impressive statistics such as the state's $1.4 billion in annual textile exports, a staggering 20% share of U.S. textile exports, and a workforce of over 39,000 individuals. This information not only reflects the state's historical significance in textiles but also demonstrates a robust and thriving industry.
North Carolina State University's College of Textiles: A Pillar of Knowledge and Innovation
The mention of North Carolina State University's College of Textiles as the nation's premier institution for textiles education underscores the state's commitment to fostering innovation. Boasting over 29,000 STEM graduates annually, the college is a dedicated learning and innovation center. Its leadership in nonwovens research and industry partnerships further solidifies its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge advancements in the field.
Industry Presence and Workforce Dynamics: Key Indicators of Success
The sizable workforce of over 39,000 people in North Carolina's textile manufacturing sector, including the largest nonwovens manufacturing workforce in the U.S., reflects the state's commitment to sustaining a skilled labor pool. This not only ensures a constant supply of adept workers but also serves as a magnet for valuable supply chain partners, establishing a self-reinforcing cycle of industry growth.
Infrastructure and Proximity: Strategic Advantages
The article emphasizes North Carolina's strategic advantages, including two deepwater seaports and two Class 1 rail carriers, facilitating easy connections to suppliers and customers. The state's advanced textile landscape and diverse industry make it an ideal location for various applications, from transportation vehicles to medical/hygiene products.
Industry Support: Collaborations and Initiatives
The collaborative efforts showcased in the article, such as the Nonwovens Institute at N.C. State University (NWI), the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (T-PACC), Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), Cotton Incorporated, Carolina Textile District, and the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), underscore North Carolina's commitment to research, development, and industry growth. These entities collectively form a robust support system, offering education, research, prototyping, and business development services.
In conclusion, North Carolina stands as a beacon in the textile and nonwovens industry, not just due to its historical significance but also due to its unwavering commitment to innovation, education, and industry collaboration. The evidence presented in the article paints a vivid picture of a state that seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, making it an unparalleled environment for textile and nonwoven companies.
