Gildan Activewear announced today that it is evaluating potential sites in the Southern United States for the construction of two additional yarn-spinning facilities, to support its projected sales growth and further reinforce its position as a global low cost manufacturer. Gildan says the facilities will be built with the most modern technology, which will help it continue to differentiate the product quality of its branded products. 700 new jobs are expected to be created.

Gildan currently expects to invest in excess of US $200 million during fiscal 2014 and 2015 for the construction and ramp up of the new facilities, which will be made in addition to the investments announced last November, in a new ring-spun yarn manufacturing facility in Salisbury, NC, and the refurbishment and modernization of the company’s open-end facilities in Clarkton, NC and Cedartown, GA.

The company’s total investment in U.S. yarn-spinning facilities, including the two new facilities, is expected to create over 700 jobs and further solidify the important domestic US component of its vertically integrated manufacturing.

Gildan says it will be in a position to provide further details on its capital investment program for fiscal 2014, including its plans for further expansion of its vertical textile manufacturing operations, when it releases its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Gildan is a leading supplier of quality branded basic apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, socks and underwear. The company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan, Gold Toe and Anvil brands and brand extensions, as well as under license agreements for the Under Armour and New Balance brands.

The Montreal, Canada, headquartered company distributes its products in printwear markets in the US and Canada, where it is the industry leading brand. It is also increasing its penetration in international printwear markets. Gildan is also one of the largest suppliers of branded athletic, casual and dress socks for a broad spectrum of retailers in the US. In addition to socks, the company is developing Gildan as a consumer brand for underwear and activewear.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America and the Caribbean Basin to efficiently service the replenishment needs of its customers in the printwear and retail markets. It has over 33,000 employees worldwide.

Last week the company announced it is one of only two North American companies to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index in the textiles, apparel and luxury goods sector.

“We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to sustainability by our inclusion in this prestigious global index,” Glenn Chamandy, President and Chief Executive Officer said at the time.

www.gildan.com