Kayser-Roth closing Asheboro production plant

ASHEBORO — Another legacy industry in Asheboro is closing.

 In a Jan. 24 letter to the NC Department of Commerce, Kayser-Roth announced that it will “cease operations at its Asheboro, NC facility” at 515 W. Balfour Ave. Asheboro, which “will result in the loss of approximately 120 positions.”

The letter said the decision came “after painful consideration” and attributed the closing to “ongoing cost pressures.” It’s expected that production will cease in March or April.

The letter, signed by CEO Gianni Orsini, was sent in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). 

Kevin Franklin, president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), said the NC Works Career Center is part of a Rapid Response Team to find ways to “pool resources to ensure workers are supported and connected with employers who are hiring.” He mentioned Toyota Battery near Liberty, as well as Energizer and Technimark of Asheboro as currently having open positions.

Lisa McKinney, director of the local NC Works Career Center, said on Jan.31 that she had a first meeting with human resources representatives with Kayser-Roth who would be working together to assist employees in finding new jobs. She said her office had already received six inquiries from several area employers and expected more.

After that first meeting, McKinney said there are a total of 150 employees who will be laid off in stages. The first layoff will be March 24 leading to a complete shutdown of the plant by May 1.

She said the next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10 and will involve Kayser-Roth, NC Works Career Center, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, RCEDC and Randolph Community College. McKinney said there will be job fairs for those losing their employment.

“A few will get severance and some will be offered jobs at the Burlington location,” said McKinney. “We’ll do it in stages and make sure everyone is involved and receives everything they need.”

She added that there will be updates as the process moves along.

Kayser-Roth produces socks and hosiery, including No Nonsense and Members Mark for Sam’s Club, among other products. The company has headquarters in Greensboro and another production facility in Graham/Burlington. The Lumberton facility was closed in 2023, resulting in 136 employees without jobs.

According to Textiles History by NC State University, the Asheboro plant was built in 1954 by Burlington Industries to produce socks and hosiery. Kayser-Roth took over in 1982 and bought the property in 1993, according to Randolph County tax records.

The site is listed at 25.99 acres with five buildings and a total of 262,920 square feet for a tax value of $7,395,990. The property owner is Kayser Roth Leasing Corporation. 

There is no word as yet as to interest in the property by other companies.