Governor McCrory Helps PEDS Open State-Of-The-Art Plant In Hildebran | Eastern North Carolina Now

The company expects to hire 205 employees by 2018

    Hildebran, NC     Governor Pat McCrory, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig and Walmart Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing Cindy Marsiglio joined Michael D. Penner, President of PEDS® Legwear (PEDS), for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of PEDS' new $16 million facility today in Hildebran. PEDS, the maker of brands such as Peds, Medi-Peds, and Growing Socks, is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of hosiery products in the world.

    "International companies like PEDS recognize North Carolina is a great place to grow business," said Governor Pat McCrory. "We appreciate the company's commitment to tripling the size of its Hildebran workforce and making its legwear in Western North Carolina."

    Governor McCrory and former North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced in June that PEDS (formerly Richelieu Legwear International Inc.), was expanding its presence in Burke County through an investment of $16 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

    "The opening of this modern new facility is testimony to the benefits of the SelectUSA program, the competitiveness of state support initiatives, and Walmart's commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion in products supporting American jobs by 2023," said Penner. "More importantly, it reflects the talent and professionalism of the women and men who work for PEDS. They are what brought us to this region of the country and are behind our growing success."

    PEDS invested $7 million to rescue International Legwear Group (ILG), a failing sock company based in Burke County, N.C. — an area particularly hard hit by the recession and offshoring. Within 10 days of ILG's announcing its liquidation, PEDS re-hired workers who had been laid off and saved the company's ongoing accounts.

    "Today, the business is thriving," Penner added. "The workforce is expected to reach 150 employees by the end of this year, and sales have already quadrupled. We are on track for creating 205 jobs by 2018."

    "There has never been a better time to expand operations in the United States, given our attractive consumer market, thriving culture of innovation, and talented workforce," said Under Secretary Selig. "Congratulations to PEDS for building this state-of-the-art facility that brings jobs back to the Hildebran community and enhances America's competitiveness. I am proud of the work our SelectUSA team has contributed to make this investment a reality."

    "North Carolina continues to grow its strong roots in manufacturing with PEDS' new state-of-the-art facility in Burke County," said Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III. "Now the company has both a manufacturing and distribution footprint in the United States through our great state."

    The high-end socks that are being manufactured in Hildebran are made from top-quality yarn and have a higher needle count than most other brands on the market.

    "We have invested in 90 machines from Italy that allow us to knit yarn into tubes and then add toe seams," Penner said. "In the past these were two separate labor intensive processes, and manufacturers would send socks to Mexico or Central America to sew the toe, apply dye, and press and package the socks. Today, we are now offering socks that are Made in the USA, from bale to Walmart stores across the country."

    "Walmart is proud of its collaboration with PEDS Legwear, which is bringing U.S.-made quality products to our customers," said Cindi Marsiglio, vice president of U.S. manufacturing at Walmart. "We are passionate about our commitment to U.S. manufacturers, creating American jobs and helping strengthen local economies across the country."

    Socks manufactured at the new facility are being sold across the country, as well as in Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

    For more information about PEDS, visit www.peds.com.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov