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Cycling Apparel Maker Plans North Carolina Factory (53 jobs)
Thomas News ^ | September 10, 2019 | Andy Szal

Posted on 09/10/2019 3:34:12 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet

A manufacturer of specialty apparel for cyclists this week announced plans to relocate from northern California to western North Carolina and establish a new manufacturing and distribution facility.

The state’s Commerce Department said Kitsbow anticipates investing nearly $900,000 in the facility in Old Fort, North Carolina, about 20 miles east of Asheville. The project is expected to create 53 new jobs.

Kitsbow, founded in 2012, produces shirts, pants, outerwear, and accessories aimed at cyclists and mountain bikers. Company officials said they selected the Old Fort site over 11 competing locations with a history of textile manufacturing due to the area’s “talent, daily shipping access and a spectacular quality of life.”

“I have seen first-hand the resilience and work ethic of the workforce in Appalachia, and that was a major factor in the decision to choose Old Fort in McDowell County for our new lean manufacturing facility,” Kitsbow CEO David Billstrom said in the announcement.

As of March, the company manufactured 50% of its products in the USA at its California location and is hoping to increase that percentage with this transition to their new facility.

The company is eligible for a $200,000 state grant which will be matched by local governments if it meets its hiring and investment goals.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Local News; Sports
KEYWORDS: california; cycling; hiring; jobs; manufacturing; northcarolina; textiles
Sorry California.
1 posted on 09/10/2019 3:34:13 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

“...announced plans to relocate from northern California...”

Good, good...welcome to the caravan outta there. Leave the California politcs behind.


2 posted on 09/10/2019 3:39:07 PM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus mane)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
Yeah, but...

Cycling apparel. Day Glow Spandex. You know the Taste Police shoot them on sight?

3 posted on 09/10/2019 3:48:44 PM PDT by jonascord (First rule of the Dunning-Kruger Club is that you do not know you are in the Dunning-Kruger club.)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Best news is most of the CaliCommies will not relocate!


4 posted on 09/10/2019 5:12:14 PM PDT by Autonomous User (During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
And all natural materials right? Is there a grove of spandex trees nearby? Some polyester bushes? 😲😬👍💰
5 posted on 09/10/2019 5:30:29 PM PDT by rktman ( #My2ndAmend! ----- Enlisted in the Navy in '67 to protect folks rights to strip my rights. WTH?)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
I think George Hincapie, one of Lance Armstrong's most loyal lieutenants, has a hotel in North Carolina. And Hincapie Sports makes a line of cycling clothing too.

And why not? North Carolina is beautiful and a great place to ride.

6 posted on 09/10/2019 7:02:16 PM PDT by IronJack
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

DeFeet, based in North Carolina, make the only socks I wear, even when not cycling.


7 posted on 09/10/2019 7:42:42 PM PDT by real saxophonist (Yeah, well, y'know that's just like, uh... your opinion, man.)
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To: real saxophonist
DeFeet.Com Socks Galore
8 posted on 09/10/2019 7:52:02 PM PDT by deport
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