Parkdale, Rabun Gap, GA
Parkdale Mills
Re-investing in an existing workforce
Background
Parkdale is the world’s leading manufacturer of spun yarns. The company was chartered in 1916 in Gastonia, North Carolina, and began operations in 1918, producing 425 tons of yarn per year in one plant. Since its foundation, Parkdale has grown its operations throughout the United States through acquisitions and construction of new plants. The importance of customer proximity led to the expansion into international markets with manufacturing operations in Mexico and Colombia, along with strategic distribution operations in Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Parkdale’s Growth
In 2008, Parkdale acquired U.S. Cotton, LLC, a leading supplier to major U.S., Canadian, and Mexican retail chains of private label cotton-based products for consumer use, such as cotton balls and swabs. In 2009, Parkdale purchased three yarn manufacturing facilities from Hanesbrands Inc., followed by two Fruit of the Loom facilities in 2014, thus making Parkdale the largest yarn manufacturer in North America, producing over 16 million pounds per week. As the company grew through acquisition, leaders knew they had to find a location that would provide the space and capabilities needed for operations, as well as the right labor force.
Why Rabun County?
Parkdale considered re-investing in the Rabun County facility in part because of the skilled labor force which existed from closed textile manufacturing operations–in fact, the company now has second and third-generation employees at the Rabun County plant. Aside from the labor force, competitive, ample and stable power supply was a major draw for Parkdale.
Rabun County’s close proximity to the supply of raw cotton was also an important consideration. The four-lane highway that connects to 365 and I-985 to the south and to Highway 441 to the north allows easy access for delivery of raw materials. The Rabun County facility is situated nicely for quick delivery to Parkdale’s customers in Georgia, such as Milliken in Gainesville. Finished products from the Parkdale Rabun Gap facility also move through the Atlanta rail ramp to the Ports of Miami and Jacksonville, Gulf Coast Florida Ports and Charleston, to final destinations in Central America and the Caribbean for large customers such as Hanesbrands and Fruit of the Loom.
Parkdale’s leadership felt the company would be a good complement to Rabun County’s existing business and industry. The company shares a similar labor force to other manufacturers in the area, and has established positive relationships with other Rabun County businesses.
The Benefits for Parkdale’s Employees
Aside from the prime opportunity for business in Rabun County, Parkdale’s team felt that in addition to the existing workforce, re-investing in this location would be a draw for future employees looking for the advantage of working for a large company without the need of a big city. Weldon Wahl, Plant Manager, describes Rabun County as “a great place to raise a family. You know who your children’s teachers are and you know your neighbors. People wave at stop signs. Everything is close and you can go shopping without having to stand in line.”
In addition to the close-knit community, Wahl notes that many residents appreciate the great options they have between local public and private schools for their children’s education. The added benefit of being able to leave work and explore the mountains and lakes in minutes or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in a relaxed setting, is also a plus for Rabun County residents.
The Present
In 2014, Parkdale chose to expand its facility due to increased customer demand. Parkdale’s decision to continue operation in Rabun County was due in large part to the county’s willingness to meet the company’s increased sewer needs. The Parkdale Sewer Line project began in May 2015 and was completed in October 2016, adding over 7,000 linear feet of 12-inch PVC and Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) sewer piping to help serve the facility in Rabun Gap. By meeting Parkdale’s sewer needs, the facility expansion added more than 200 jobs for the Rabun County community.
Currently, Parkdale Inc., the parent company, is the largest consumer of U.S. grown cotton and is one of the top providers of spun yarns in the world. In one week, the company produces more than 8,000 tons of spun yarn across its 25 manufacturing facilities.