The Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) had the privilege of holding its summer board meeting at Gaston College’s Kimbrell Campus, specifically at the Textile Technology Center.

This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to explore the enduring significance of the textile industry in our region and its ongoing contributions to economic development and innovation.

Manufactured in Union County, NC, this Circular Knitting Machine serves its purpose to create tubular fabrics in a continuous loop for small knitted products like t-shirts.

Key Takeaways

• The Textile Technology Center offers extensive activities and training programs, focusing on product development and specialized testing laboratories.
• The Fiber Innovation Center is set to become a central hub for advancing fiber technology and driving innovation within the textile sector.
• The importance of strategic partnerships and collaboration is essential for regional workforce development.

Supporting Innovation and Workforce Development: Gaston College’s Fiber Innovation Center

The Centralina EDD has demonstrated its commitment to regional economic growth by supporting Gaston College in securing a significant grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). In 2023, Gaston College was awarded $1.1 million to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment. This funding will bolster the capabilities of existing textile and apparel firms, enhance the talent pipeline, and foster entrepreneurial opportunities at the Fiber Innovation Center.

Strengthening the Textile Industry through Advanced Education and Training

Jasmine Wade-Cox, Executive Director of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, presented a detailed overview of the center’s extensive activities and training programs during a recent board meeting. The center focuses on four key product development areas and operates three specialized testing laboratories. These facilities are pivotal in driving innovation and ensuring the production of high-performance, sustainable materials.

Gaston College offers three comprehensive textile education pathways designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the textile industry. Additionally, the center provides customized training programs tailored for incumbent workers, ensuring that the current workforce remains well-prepared and able to meet industry demands. These educational initiatives are crucial for maintaining a robust and skilled workforce capable of sustaining the region’s textile industry.

The Fiber Innovation Center: A Hub for Technological Advancements

The Fiber Innovation Center is poised to become a central hub for advancing fiber technology and driving innovation within the textile sector. This state-of-the-art facility will support the development of high-performance, sustainable materials with applications spanning from household to industrial products. By promoting cutting-edge research and development, the center will play a crucial role in maintaining the global competitiveness of the textile industry in the Carolinas and abroad.

Insights from the Tour of Harney Hall and the Fiber Innovation Center

Don Rusch, Director of the Textile Technology Center provides an overview of this Vortex Spinning Machine which uses air to spin yarn.

Board members had the opportunity to tour Harney Hall and the newly established Fiber Innovation Center, gaining firsthand insight into the complex process of transforming fibers into yarn and fabric. The tour provided a comprehensive view of the diverse applications of these fabrics, which include clothing, household items, fire protection, and industrial uses. This engaging experience highlighted the intricate and innovative processes involved in textile production.

Fostering Regional Workforce Development through Collaboration

During a working lunch, board members engaged in a lively discussion on regional workforce development with Ms. Wade-Cox. They explored various aspects of the Textile Technology Center’s operations, including current enrollment numbers, the nature of partnerships with industry collaborators, and the specific employers leveraging the center’s resources and training programs. This interactive session underscored the center’s significant impact on workforce development and the importance of strategic partnerships in driving success.

Conclusion

The support from Centralina EDD and the awarded EDA grant marks a significant milestone for Gaston College and the regional textile industry. With the advanced manufacturing equipment funded by this grant, the Fiber Innovation Center is well-positioned to lead advancements in fiber technology, support existing firms, and create new entrepreneurial opportunities. Through comprehensive education pathways and customized training programs, Gaston College is ensuring a well-prepared and skilled workforce that will continue to drive the textile industry forward. The collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships fostered by the Textile Technology Center are essential in achieving sustained economic growth and innovation in the region.

The City of Monroe, North Carolina, is at the forefront of economic revitalization and community empowerment through its participation in the Good Jobs Great Cities Academy (GJGCA). This two-year workforce development initiative, awarded by the National League of Cities and the U.S. Department of Labor, aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of the Centralina Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which is a locally-based, regionally driven economic development plan that focuses on three goals.  1) Expand Economic Opportunity, 2) Build Community Supportive Infrastructure and 3) Strengthen Regional Resilience and Global Competitiveness. Centralina Regional Council and the Centralina Workforce Development Board have been supportive partners throughout this program’s inception which started in April 2023.

Centralina’s CEDS places a strong emphasis on workforce development and education, recognizing them as pillars for economic success. Likewise, the City of Monroe has placed a high importance on these items and recently launched MonroeWorks, to connect jobseekers and local precision manufacturers.  This website hub helps residents find training programs for high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and clean energy and connects to available jobs posted on NCWorks.gov. Aligning education and upskilling with industry needs gives residents the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

The City of Monroe’s strong partnership with local businesses and industries has encouraged job creation and economic growth. Last fall, the city brought together 80 leaders from government, business and non-profit sectors to discuss barriers to hiring in the manufacturing industry.  Other initiatives such as job fairs, apprenticeship programs and youth apprenticeships conducted in partnership with South Piedmont Community College have contributed to building the workforce capacity. These efforts not only attract talent and investment but also drive sustainable economic expansion across the region.

The City of Monroe’s participation in the Good Jobs Great Cities Academy serves as a shining example of how local initiatives can align with regional economic strategies for transformative impact. By staying committed to workforce development, education and job creation, the City of Monroe leads the way for inclusive growth and prosperity for all.

Laurie Garner, Business Services Leader, is a key contact in this partnership with the City of Monroe, and she can be reached at 704-384-2713, lgarner@centralina.org 

Effective supply chain management is crucial in today’s ever-changing business environment for achieving sustainable growth and gaining a competitive edge. The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) plays an important role in bolstering the sustainability of the manufacturing industry through its programs, resources and consulting services.

The Centralina Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) addresses the need to engage existing industries to plan for effective solutions in supply chain efforts under Goal 3: Recommendation 2.1.  This strategy involves building a network through local and national suppliers, which will enhance the industry’s resilience to external disruptions.

One of the key benefits of participating in NCMEP’s Supply Chain Program is its focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. The program assists businesses with the tools and resources needed to streamline the supply chain process, optimize inventory management and leverage innovative technology.

NCMEP empowers businesses to enhance their supplier relationships, ensuring reliability and consistency in the supply chain. By bolstering strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, NCMEP enables companies to respond effectively to market demands and seize new opportunities for growth.

The Centralina CEDS aligns with the principles of the NCMEP Supply Chain Program and highlights the importance of an effective and resilient supply chain that achieves sustainable growth.