Textiles and Apparel

Randolph County Textile & Apparel Industry 

Randolph County, North Carolina’s textile industry is one of the oldest and most enduring manufacturing clusters in the American South, with origins dating back to the early 19th century. Powered initially by the Deep River and anchored by early mills such as Cedar Falls (established in 1836), the county quickly emerged as part of the state’s Piedmont textile belt, helping lay the foundation for North Carolina’s rise as a global textile leader.

Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, the county developed into a major center for hosiery, yarn, and apparel production, supported by a skilled, multi-generational workforce and an ecosystem of mill villages and manufacturing infrastructure. Companies such as Acme-McCrary Hosiery Mills exemplified this growth, evolving into globally competitive producers and anchoring local employment for decades. 2 

Like many U.S. textile regions, Randolph County experienced significant disruption in the late 20th century due to globalization and offshore production, resulting in industry contraction and workforce displacement. However, rather than disappearing, the local textile sector has undergone a strategic transformation—pivoting from commodity production to advanced, specialized, and technology-driven manufacturing. 

Today, Randolph County’s textile industry represents a modernized, innovation-focused ecosystem that blends its historic strengths with emerging capabilities in engineered materials, medical textiles, and performance fabrics. Approximately 2,000 workers remain employed in the sector locally, reflecting both resilience and continued economic relevance. 3 

Key Modern Industry Players 

The county’s current textile ecosystem is defined by a mix of legacy expertise and forward-looking companies operating in high-value niche segments: 

• Sapona Yarns – A continuation of the county’s legacy in fiber and yarn production, Sapona represents the evolution of traditional spinning into modern, specialized yarn solutions serving diverse manufacturing applications. 
• Elastic Therapy, Inc. (ETI) – A leading producer of compression textiles and engineered elastic fabrics, serving global healthcare and athletic markets. ETI exemplifies Randolph County’s shift into high-performance, technical textiles. 

• Bossong Medical – A medical textile manufacturer focused on specialized healthcare products, highlighting the region’s expansion into regulated, high-growth industries such as medical manufacturing. 

• Origin Manufacturing – A vertically integrated apparel manufacturer producing American-made garments and footwear, reflecting the growing trend of reshoring and domestic production within the textile and apparel industry.
• Trotters Sewing Company – Trotters Sewing Company is a contract cut and sew business, located in Asheboro, North Carolina. From upholstery, pillow covers, and foot protectors to outdoor cushions, household products & pet bedding, Trotters Sewing Company has been manufacturing many different products for over a quarter of a century. 

Strategic Position 

Randolph County’s textile sector today is characterized by: 

• Deep technical expertise built over generations 

• Advanced manufacturing capabilities in specialized applications 

• Integration into global supply chains with local production advantages 

• Strong connections to innovation resources, including NC State’s College of Textiles and regional manufacturing support organizations 4 

Outlook 

Looking ahead, the industry is positioned for continued growth through: 

• Expansion of technical and medical textiles 

• Increasing demand for U.S.-based manufacturing and supply chain resilience 

• Ongoing investment in automation, advanced materials, and workforce development 

Bottom Line: 
Randolph County’s textile industry has successfully transitioned from a historic manufacturing base to a modern, innovation-driven ecosystem, making it a compelling hub for companies seeking skilled labor, technical expertise, and strategic access to the North Carolina textile cluster.