Posted June 3, 2014

 

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Unifi, Inc. announced the expansion of its REPREVE® Recycling Center, which opened in Yadkinville, N.C., in May 2010.

 

The expansion comes as Unifi dials up its commitment to premium, value-added products such as REPREVE, which continue to be a strategic focus for the company, Unifi said. Recycling capacity at the REPREVE Recycling Center will increase from 42 million pounds to 72 million pounds, annually.  This increase is being driven by demand from new customer adoptions with companies such as Ford, The North Face, Nike, Volcom and Patagonia.

 

The expansion is expected to create 10 new jobs, including two salary shift managers, four hourly operators and four hourly material handlers. The recent $5 million capital expenditure brings the total investment in the REPREVE Recycling Center, since its opening in 2010, to $15 million.

 

“Expanding our REPREVE manufacturing capabilities highlights our commitment to the REPREVE brand and provides increased flexibility to better serve our customers,” said Roger Berrier, president and chief operating officer of Unifi, Inc. “As we bring the new machinery online, it’s clear that the increased versatility will help better position REPREVE to support the growth and demand for recycled products.”

 

The largest and fastest-growing segments for REPREVE continue to be apparel and automotive, according to Unifi. The expansion increases the availability of REPREVE product offerings such as lower deniers that support lighter-weight fashion trends, flame retardant (FR) yarns and WaterWise™ color technology.

 

“The expansion also reflects our commitment to remain the market leader in recycled products and sustainable solutions,” Berrier said.

 

The REPREVE® brand of recycled fibers is made from recycled materials, including pre-consumer manufacturing waste and post-consumer plastic bottles. REPREVE can be found in many products, ranging from apparel to office furnishings, and even socks. It is also used in industrial, automotive and medical applications.