Through6, an on-demand, full cut and sew apparel manufacturer based in California, is opening a new facility in Lee County, the company and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance announced in a joint press release on Wednesday.
The company plans to locate the operation in phases, according to the press release, with 160 new jobs and $2 million in capital investment when the Sanford facility is fully operational. Through6, which plans to occupy a vacant building at 908 J.R. Industrial Drive that was formerly used by Static Control, is coming to Lee County without being offered any economic incentives by local government.
“We are proud to announce a fourth major economic development project in less than 12 months, and glad that a well-established California-based company recognizes the strategic advantages of siting their first East Coast expansion in Sanford,” said SAGA Chairman Kirk Bradley, referencing recent expansions or relocations announced by Pfizer, Bharat Forge and Audentes. “Through6’s unique business model represents the future of apparel manufacturing, and we are excited to add them to the ever-growing list of manufacturers who call Sanford and Lee County home.”
Through6, established in Garden Grove, California in 2014, uses proprietary technology to offer brands and merchants access to cut and sew fashion styles.
“Given the textile manufacturing prominence in North Carolina, we’re incredibly excited to attract some great local talent and increase Through6’s production output to better serve our customers,” said CEO Carlos Goncalves.
Through6 recently pivoted its production efforts to produce and fulfill face masks and other PPE coverings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling its customers and merchants to not only survive during the unprecedented times but achieve the strongest sales volumes in the company’s history.
“We are proud to be the first U.S. location outside of California for Through6, a 100 percent made in America manufacturer,” said Lee County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Amy Dalrymple. “Our county strives to be a welcoming community, one where new residents and business not only feel welcomed, but they feel supported.
Positions available will range from technologists to printing and sewing operators and warehousing personnel. Hiring will begin immediately for a late-summer opening, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit resumes to ncjobs@through6.com.
“I am honored to welcome Through6 to Sanford,” said Sanford Mayor Chet Mann. “We look forward to having their company here and becoming great partners within our community. The jobs they create will help many people here in our community who need them. Here in Sanford we have continued to press forward with our Open for Business Agenda in spite of the challenges we all face during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Again, many thanks to Through6. We are glad you have chosen Sanford as home.”
“Mark up another win for our community,” said SAGA CEO Michael Smith. “Our strong local team – led by our board and investors, Mayor Chet Mann and the Sanford City Council, Commissioner Chair Amy Dalrymple and the Lee County Commissioners, President Lisa Chapman and Central Carolina Community College, plus the incredible leadership and support from the Economic Development Partnership of NC helped us win this project and make the case to Through6 that our community is truly ‘Open for Business’. We look forward to helping them enjoy many years of success here.”