Area Development
Richmond Specialty Yarns, a manufacturer of specialty fiber-based yarns for the textile industry, will invest $1 million to expand its facilities in Ellerbe, North Carolina, according to the North Carolina governor's office. The company plans to create 135 new jobs and retain 140 existing positions; the new jobs will pay an average annual salary of $25,931 plus benefits. Richmond Yarns has been acquired by FilSpec Inc., a yarn-spinning company based in Canada, and will be renamed as part of the expansion. "For FilSpec, North Carolina was the best choice because of the very good relationship we already have with Richmond Yarn Inc. as a supplier, because of their available manufacturing capacity, and because of the quality and stability of the work force already in place," says Jean Parenteau, FilSpec's CEO. The company has received a $150,000 grant from the state, contingent on job creation and retention, that must be matched by local governments.