Glen Raven, Inc. Custom Fabrics, LLC, in Norlina announced today (Wednesday, July 21) an $82 million capital investment plan that will create 205 new jobs.
The expansion at the Warren County manufacturing plant will add about $6.5 million in annual salaries, according to a press release from Warren County. Governor Roy Cooper also announced on Wednesday that a performance-based grant of $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate the expansion.
The Glen Raven Norlina plant opened in 1984. It produces the synthetic yarn used in performance fabrics, including their well-known flagship Sunbrella brand.
Glen Raven plans to renovate the existing building, constructed in 1970, as well as add new buildings and new equipment.
“Glen Raven has been an indispensable fixture of our business community for 37 years. To take part in the company’s realization of their strategic growth doesn’t just feel good; it feels right,” stated Charla Duncan, Warren County economic development director.
“As a halo county of the Triangle, we look very different than our urban and more populous neighbors, and we’re ok with that because we know that Warren County, too, can be a place for sustainability, growth and vitality,” Duncan stated in the press release. “It’s our goal to be a part of the Glen Raven family as well, knowing that in turn, we are also supporting our families here in the community.”
The Warren County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a local incentive package to compete for the expansion of the existing Warren County industry.
The total local incentive package offered to Glen Raven includes 10 annual performance-based grants equaling 60 percent of the paid tax liability for the year and a fee waiver of up to $150,000 in county building and inspection fees. The grant will not be issued until the year’s property taxes have been paid.
“This project is a trajectory changer for Warren County. Glen Raven has recognized the value in Warren County, the workforce we can attract, and how that will positively impact their bottom line,” commented County Manager Vincent Jones. “I have to commend our board of commissioners for pushing us as county staff for results, as well as our Warren County team that helped us through this economic development process, especially our community & economic development director, Charla Duncan, who led our efforts.”
“With the devotion and commitment of the county commissioners, coupled with the hard work of our staff, we were able to secure this much-needed economic growth,” stated Tare “T” Davis, chairman of the Warren County board of commissioners. “This expansion speaks to what the citizens have been asking to happen in Warren County — good paying jobs and good opportunity for people to advance. We look forward to a continued partnership with Glen Raven.”
The average salary of the jobs that will be created is predicted to be $31,710, which exceeds the median income for Warren County. Of the total $82 million capital investment, $58 million is in real property and $24 million is in personal property.
“Glen Raven has been an anchor in our local, regional, and state business community for decades. We are thrilled that they have called Warren County home for so long and that they believe our community can help in the growth of their company,” said Victor Hunt, vice-chair of the Warren County board of commissioners and member of the economic development commission board.
Glen Raven, a 2020 Governor’s Export Award Winner (NC), is a global company headquartered in North Carolina, recognized by the state for being a Top Large Business Exporter. Founded in 1880, Glen Raven is a provider of performance fabrics with sales in more than 120 countries.
Duncan, herself a Warren County native, said she hasn’t known a day of her life that Glen Raven hasn’t supported working families in the region.
For more information, contact the Warren County Community & Economic Development Director at 252.257.3114 or charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.