Shri Govindaraja Textiles (SGR) has announced that it will be setting up its textile operations in Rockingham County in the US. The company plans to invest more than $40 million and create 84 jobs over the next two years in Eden.
“We’re committed to increasing the number of jobs through international co-operation,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “With a strong labor force and proximity to cotton-growing regions and ports, Shri Govindaraja Textiles will succeed in North Carolina.”
Shri Govindaraja Textiles Private Ltd. (SGT) is part of the Jayavilas Group of Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district. The group is the largest spinner in India with a total installed capacity of 1.1 million spindles and a workforce of 30,000 persons.
“The company will not only buy North Carolina cotton but will produce the combed yarn here as well,” said Secretary Decker. “Innovative companies like SGR Textiles are bringing new machinery that will be put to good use by our talented workforce in Rockingham County.”
SGT has 14 manufacturing units spread across two States in India. With an installed capacity of four lakh spindles and latest modern machineries, the traditional textile company has been saving substantial labor costs achieving better operational efficiency. It manufactures combed/carded yarn ranging from 20s to 160s counts.
“SGT has decided to set up a state-of-the-art yarn manufacturing facility in Eden after an extensive search and comparative study that we undertook amongst nine different States and various counties,” stated Mr. Ramkumar Varadarajan, Managing Director of SGR Textiles. “The input cost advantage and the skilled workforce present in Eden will aid in our successful implementation and operation of the project. I thank the State Commerce Department, Eden City officials, US Commercial Service officials and the Consul General at the American Consulate in Chennai for their support and their really helping us expedite the search, selection and commencement process.”
The NC Department of Commerce’s Rural Infrastructure Authority Board awarded a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the City of Eden to assist SGRTEX with up to 50 per cent of building costs. The company will have an 180,000 sq.ft. building at 335 Summit Road that was formerly owned by Karastan, Inc.
“This is welcome news for Rockingham County,” said Senator Phil Berger. “Shri Govindaraja Textiles’ decision to expand will bring needed jobs to our community and help continue our rich tradition of manufacturing high-quality textile products.”
Said Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest: “It is great to see manufacturing coming back to North Carolina, and I am proud to see our rich textile heritage on the rise once again. There are numerous reasons this company chose North Carolina, including our abundant agricultural and human resources, our existing manufacturing facilities, our low energy costs and our competitive tax structure.”
He added: “We are pleased to welcome SGR Textiles to Eden which has a rich textile heritage, and it is gratifying to see this company invest in our community and provide much-needed jobs.”