United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai embarked on a crucial visit to Glen Raven's advanced yarn spinning manufacturing plant and Sunbrella flagship brand headquarters in Burlington, N.C. The visit was accompanied by an industry supply chain roundtable, emphasizing the significance of domestic textiles in the supply chain.
Ambassador Tai’s presence aligns with USTR's call for public input, aiming to inform the administration's trade and investment policy initiatives regarding domestic supply chain resilience. Specifically, the office is focusing on the textile sector, encompassing yarns, fabrics, apparel, and other finished goods, for its fact-finding investigation to shape policy tools enhancing supply chain resilience.
Glen Raven CEO Leib Oehmig expressed deep gratitude for hosting Ambassador Tai, emphasizing the pivotal role of trade policies in supporting domestic manufacturing, employment, and sectoral growth. The company, renowned for its contributions to local communities and the U.S. economy, underscored the necessity for robust trade policies amidst challenging economic and global trade conditions.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas echoed appreciation for Ambassador Tai's visit, recognizing USTR’s efforts in developing supply chain resilience policies crucial for securing the U.S. textile supply chain's future.
Ambassador Tai’s tour of Glen Raven's facilities included an exploration of the Sunbrella facilities, a design and innovation center, and a roundtable discussion with textile executives. The visit highlighted the sector's substantial impact on the U.S. economy.
Glen Raven, with a rich history dating back to 1880, operates five manufacturing facilities in North and South Carolina, employing 2,500 individuals. The company is in the midst of a $250 million multi-phase U.S. capacity expansion plan to meet escalating customer demand, underscoring its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
