Posted May 29, 2014
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. — Congressman Jim Clyburn toured DAK America’s textile manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, S.C., on May 27 to learn more about the company’s fiber production operations, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) reported in a press release.
DAK America’s products are used in numerous downstream apparel and technical textile applications.
The visit is part of the NCTO’s “Hill to the Mill” program, which gives members of Congress an opportunity to see firsthand innovations and new investments in the textile manufacturing sector.
DAK Americas is a leading employer in South Carolina, where it employs nearly 1,000 people in highly skilled jobs, including full-service and contract positions. DAK Americas is a fast growing company with core businesses comprised of polyester staple fibers (PSF), PET container resins (PET) and terephthalic acid (TPA). The company has a growing presence in its specialty polymers and GreenPET (recycled and renewable raw materials) businesses.
“We were honored to host Congressman Clyburn’s visit to our plant, and to show him the investments we are making in new products and technology in an effort to support U.S. textile jobs,” said Jorge Young, president and CEO of DAK Americas. “We are proud of the significant contributions our facilities and workers make to the state of South Carolina and are very pleased that Congressman Clyburn would take time to better familiarize himself with our company.”
House Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn visits DAK Americas plant
(L-R) Mark Ruday, Senior VP of Fibers, DAK Americas; Congressman Jim Clyburn; Antonio Garza, Cooper River Site Manager, DAK Americas.
The U.S. textile manufacturing sector in general has continued to see investment and growth over the past year. The U.S. has become an increasingly attractive option for textile investment due to competitive energy, transportation and fiber costs. Beyond these basic economic factors, a key driver for the new investment surge has been the success of “yarn-forward” origin requirements included in every major U.S. free trade agreement, according to the NCTO.