Yarn Maker Will Open Plant in VA

Governor Bob McDonnell has announced that R/gitex USA LLC, a manufacturer of made-to-order ring spun and open end yarns, will invest $1.5 million to open a manufacturing operation in Mecklenburg County. The company will acquire and upgrade an existing textile plant, creating 60 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “Southern Virginia has a history rich in textile manufacturing companies. Despite the fact that in recent years the general industry has taken a hit, companies like R/gitex have brought textiles to a new level of quality and innovation. The company will be able to upgrade an existing textile plant in Mecklenburg County to produce leading-edge yarns for the industrial, apparel, high-performance and home furnishing markets. I welcome this international company to Virginia and look forward to R/gitex USA’s success.”

R/gitex USA LLC is a subsidiary of R/gitex Inc., a family owned business headquartered in Qu/bec, Canada since 1976. R/gitex Inc. produces leading-edge yarns in an assortment of colors and natural blends, using a wide variety of natural and synthetic fibers for end-users in the industrial, protective apparel, high-performance and home furnishing markets. New product development is based on customer needs and a comprehensive understanding of the market, inspiring R/gitex to focus development on new and distinctive high-quality custom yarns with properties unique to client needs.

“We are very pleased and excited to make Virginia our home base in the United States,” said Rick Martignetti, President, R/gitex USA LLC. “Virginia continues to prove that it is the place for business. Virginia offers manufacturers an unparalleled advantage of a highly skilled and motivated workforce, central location, excellent transportation facilities and low-energy costs. R/gitex Inc. and R/gitex USA are committed to continue providing quality, service and innovative yarns to our customers. We thank all of our valued customers and suppliers for their continued support.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Mecklenburg County to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $150,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Mecklenburg County’s Board of Supervisors is very pleased to have R/gitex coming to our community,” said Glenn Barbour, Chairman, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors. “It’s always exciting to upgrade an existing facility and even more so to provide jobs to the citizens of this county. The Board welcomes R/gitex and looks forward to working with them. We commend our economic development team of Angie Kellett and Gina Mull and our County Administrator, Wayne Carter, for their efforts in securing this company and growing the economy of Mecklenburg County.”

Senator Frank Ruff, a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, agrees that the County is fortunate to have a team that is focused on attracting and retaining jobs. “As markets change and production processes change it is important to have good people in the right positions to respond to those changing forces. We have good people in the region who want to work and are willing to take those steps needed to be productive employees that will make the R/gitex folks proud.”