Charlotte Textile Firm Thrives with Innovative Guatemalan Partnership
Charlotte, a city known for its rich textile history, is witnessing a unique revival in its local industry, thanks to a long-standing company that has taken its operations overseas without losing its core values. While it’s true that many textile jobs have disappeared from the area, one Charlotte-based firm is not just surviving; it is thriving by investing in Texpasa, a Guatemalan knitting, dyeing, and finishing operation that has become a reliable supplier for major American brands.
A Legacy in Textile Manufacturing
The story begins with the Charlotte Trimming Company, which was established in the 1970s by a local entrepreneur whose family originally hails from Cuba. The company quickly rose to prominence by becoming the largest flatbed knitting operation in the United States, crafting high-quality trims for big brands in the garment industry.
As the American textile landscape began to shift drastically in the late 1990s, primarily moving jobs offshore, the company found itself at a crossroads. In a smart move driven by necessity, they made an investment in Guatemala, partnering with a local family friend to establish Texpasa. “This was not a choice we made lightly. We were simply trying to keep the business afloat in a changing environment,” shared Tony Lopez-Ibanez, CEO of Texpasa, who has been leading the firm for the past 19 years.
Texpasa’s Growth and Future
Today, Texpasa operates two facilities in Guatemala, including a state-of-the-art dye facility that was inaugurated in 2020. This extensive operation boasts over 500,000 square feet of space and an impressive capacity of over three million pounds of fabric per month. Not only does Texpasa produce fabric, but it also collaborates directly with sewing factories to fulfill orders for well-known American names like The North Face, Under Armour, and Columbia Sportswear. In fact, they’re proud to say they are Columbia’s largest supplier.
Investing in People and Community
Texpasa is thriving not just in terms of production but also in building a better future for its employees. Tony notes, “I’m incredibly proud of the young people in Guatemala who have college degrees and are making solid salaries. We’re not just building a business; we’re building a community.” Texpasa has been recognized as a top employer in Latin America and has made significant strides in establishing a positive corporate culture marked by growth and collaboration.
Currently, Texpasa employs around 3,000 people in Central America, alongside a small team of about half a dozen at their Charlotte headquarters. The company believes in fostering local economies—around 50% of their fabric is transported to factories within a 20-mile radius to limit their carbon footprint and enhance sustainability.
Sustainability Efforts Making a Difference
Speaking of sustainability, Texpasa is making notable advancements in reducing their environmental impact. The textile industry often gets a bad rap for its pollution levels, but Tony emphasizes that they’ve actively invested in green energy solutions. “We’ve recently installed 4,000 solar panels, which provide around 30% of our electricity needs,” he mentioned with pride. This is coupled with the use of biomass wood chips, further enhancing their commitment to sustainability.
As they forge ahead, Tony reflects on the changes he’s seen throughout his career and emphasizes the importance of staying connected with customers who value working relationships. “The key to our continued growth lies in our commitment to engaging with our customers and finding sustainable solutions together,” he stated.
A Beacon of Resilience in a Changing Industry
Even in a shifting landscape where textile jobs have drastically declined in the U.S., it’s heartening to see a company from Charlotte not just endure, but grow by embracing global partnerships. Texpasa stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the American textile industry, ensuring that while some chapters might close, new and exciting ones are just beginning.
