LILESVILLE, N.C. — An anchor of the Anson County community is closing its doors.
The Hornwood Textile Company is halting production at its facility in Lilesville after 80 years in business, and about 150 people will lose their jobs.
Channel 9’s Gina Esposito spoke with county leaders, who are hopeful another business could step in.
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“There are several people in the community who’ve retired or spent their whole lives working there,” said Chair Jamie Caudle with the Anson County Board of Commissioners. “It’s going to be a change to the area and to the citizens.”
Caudle said it came as a shock when Hornwood decided to close.
The knitting mill manufactures several fabrics, including athletic attire through the name Game Time Fabrics.
“I don’t want to get specific on contracts, but I think they had some larger name-brand sporting attire contracts they were dealing with,” Caudle said. “We used to be a stronghold for textiles in this county, and we’ve seen them dwindle over the years, so we are actually pretty fortunate that Hornwood held on as long as they did.”
In a memo, Hornwood cited its “financial position” as the reason it can no longer continue in business.
Anson County’s Chamber of Commerce shared photos of the plant with Esposito, saying it tours the facility each year and is “grateful to Hornwood for the many years of service.”
“Our whole focus is to recruit something back into that facility. What that looks like, I can’t tell you right now,” Caudle said.
Officials want to bring jobs back while also taking stock of recent announcements.
“We’ve got a rock quarry, a slaughterhouse opening up,” Caudle said. “You’ve got another knitting mill that announced six to eight months ago, so there are several job opportunities in this county where employers will be looking to hire. Employers are coming in, so there are opportunities here. We’re always wanting more, but there are opportunities here.”
Esposito tried speaking with Hornwood leadership in person, on the phone and via email, but she was told they have no comment on the closure.
Based on the memo that was sent out, the facility will close in eight to 10 weeks.
Anson County has resources for anyone looking for a job.
There is an NC Works Career Center in Wadesboro. People can get free internet access and help with resumes or cover letters. They can also attend interview workshops.
South Piedmont Community College in Polkton also offers certificate programs, high school equivalency classes and workforce readiness training.
Tuition at South Piedmont is waived for students who are unemployed, underemployed or have been given notice of a layoff.
Statement from Sandy Cox president/ CEO Anson County Chamber of Commerce:
The loss of a major employer is significant, and our first concern is for the employees and families who are affected. But I also believe we need to look ahead. Anson County has an opportunity to take a facility like this and turn a difficult situation into something positive for our community.
The next company that comes into that location could potentially employ even more people, provide higher-paying jobs, and bring new investment into Anson County. We have a workforce, we have a location, and we have a community that is ready for new opportunities.
This is certainly a change for Anson County, but I don’t believe it has to define our future. I believe there is an opportunity on the other side of this, and I want to see our community focused on what comes next. Our Leadership Anson visits Hornwood each year and the tour is fascinating. We are grateful to Hornwood for the many years of service to our community and they will be sorely missed.
South Piedmont Community College:
South Piedmont offers a wide variety of short- and long-term educational options carefully designed to align with local workforce needs and to prepare students for success in their chosen field.
South Piedmont’s Human Resource Development (HRD) program can help those displaced employees build the skills they need to get and keep a job. They will learn important skills like communication, problem-solving, and computer basics.
They can also work on their resume, practice job search strategies, and earn the National Career Readiness Certificate or Working Smart Credential, which shows employers they have the skills they need.
Tuition is waived for those that are unemployed, underemployed, or have been given notice of a layoff.
For students at SPCC the SP | Career Connector offers a comprehensive, one-stop resource offering career services that assist students, alumni, and employers.