What workforce development resources are available for textile companies?

North Carolina leads the way in producing top-tier talent for the textile industry, supplying companies with a pipeline of skilled workers and unmatched access to textile and nonwovens R&D resources. The North Carolina State University (NCSU) Wilson College of Textiles is the only university in the United States with a college entirely devoted to textiles education and is the #1 textiles institution in the world. Six of North Carolina’s community colleges have dedicated training programs and manufacturing technology centers that provide a wide array of services to companies.

What resources are available to support nonwoven businesses?

North Carolina has many programs and research centers that support nonwovens businesses, including: The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University (NCSU); The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA); The Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC); Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) at NCSU; The Carolina Textile District (CTD); The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO).

Textiles & Nonwovens

The Very Fiber of Innovation

Largest Textiles Workforce in the Country (Lightcast, 2026)

640+

Textile and Textile Product Mills (Lightcast, 2026)

$1.6B

in Exported Textile Goods (Wisertrade, 2026)

Get the Brochure

Textiles &
Nonwovens

Creating the Pattern for Textile Transformation

North Carolina is a leading hub for textiles and nonwovens in the US, combining a skilled workforce, cutting-edge manufacturing, and top research institutions. The state drives innovation across industries—from transportation and home furnishings to medical and hygiene products. With a diverse textile ecosystem and close access to end users, North Carolina empowers companies to grow, innovate, and lead in the global market.

Dome Manufacturer to Invest $4.6 Million in Fayetteville for Manufacturing Facility

Yeadon Fabric Domes, LLC, a manufacturer of air supported structures, will create 72 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest $4.6 million to build a manufacturing facility in Fayetteville.

Learn More

North Carolina, Perennial Top State for Business

For six consecutive years, CNBC has ranked North Carolina as either #1 or #2 in its annual America's Top States for Business rankings. With a world-class workforce, competitive business climate, and strong economy, North Carolina is where companies choose to invest, innovate, and grow.

Why NC

North Carolina is where a rich textile tradition meets a thriving, high-tech, manufacturing hub, creating an unparalleled environment for both textiles and nonwovens companies.

32K

Workers in Textiles, Nonwovens, and Apparel Making (Lightcast, 2026)

275+

Degrees Awarded Yearly in Textile Sciences (UNC System, NCCCS, 2026)

Our Strong Workforce Is Woven In

North Carolina employs more than 32,000 people in the textiles and nonwovens industry, making it the second largest textiles workforce in the US (Lightcast, 2026). There’s never a shortage of skilled workers and valuable customers.

Known for Teaching Textiles

North Carolina State University’s globally recognized College of Textiles leads the nation in nonwovens research and industry partnerships. Its Nonwovens Institute is the largest industry-academic cooperative research center in the nation.

a group of NC State students in their cap and gown

Everything You Need from Needle to Thread to Cloth

All textiles and nonwovens companies can feel at home in North Carolina. With an especially high concentration of knit fabric, apparel knitting, nonwoven, fabric finishing, and cord and tire fabric mills, the right infrastructure is right here.

Weaving around the World

Whether your materials are fit for transportation vehicles, home and office furnishings, or medical/hygiene products, you’re in the right place. NC’s advanced textile landscape is highly diverse and proximity to end users is second to none.

Textile and Nonwoven Companies in North Carolina

North Carolina’s advanced textile landscape is highly diverse, with companies serving a wide variety of both regionally and internationally based end users. There are several companies in the state that are innovating the textiles of the future.

American & Efird

Avgol Nonwovens

Freudenberg

Gildan

HanesBrands

Kimberly-Clark

Lydall

Mohawk Industries

Parkdale Mills

Saertex

Uniquetex

Being centrally located on the East Coast and having access to a growing advanced manufacturing talent pool were some of the differentiating factors for our decision to grow here.

Kelly Moore

Chief Financial Officer, Tex-Tech

Frequently Asked Questions

What workforce development resources are available for textile companies?

North Carolina leads the way in producing top-tier talent for the textile industry, supplying companies with a pipeline of skilled workers and unmatched access to textile and nonwovens R&D resources. The North Carolina State University (NCSU) Wilson College of Textiles is the only university in the United States with a college entirely devoted to textiles education and is the #1 textiles institution in the world. Six of North Carolina’s community colleges have dedicated training programs and manufacturing technology centers that provide a wide array of services to companies.
What resources are available to support nonwoven businesses?
North Carolina has many programs and research centers that support nonwovens businesses, including:
- The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University (NCSU)
- The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA)
- The Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC)
- Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) at NCSU
- The Carolina Textile District (CTD)
- The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)