Unifi Manufacturing history

In 1975, the company invested heavily in new German-built equipment that could make better yarn and at a faster rate.

Importantly, Unifi was among the first United States companies to begin selling to China when the People's Republic opened its doors to exports in 1980.

By 1993, Unifi was employing 5,000 workers in its various manufacturing plants, increasing its work force while also working to make operations more efficient. For example, Unifi's major Pennsylvania facility generated about 3.2 million pounds of nylon per week in 1981 with about 1,300 employees.

By 1983, Unifi was garnering about one-quarter of its $176 million in annual revenues from sales in China, and shipments to the country were topping one million pounds per week.

Unifi's total revenues had swelled to $275 million in 1987, up from $248 million the previous year.

Moreover, Unifi achieved those gains as it steadily shrunk its long-term debt to $1 million by early 1988.

In 1991, for example, Unifi acquired the remaining operations of Macfield, as well as a company called Vintage Yams.

1992: Sales pass $1 billion.

As a result, Unifi was invariably positioned to take advantage of different recovering markets. "They are the first in the gate when the rebound starts," explained industry specialist Bill Dawson in the November 1993 Business North Carolina.

Sales in 1994 (fiscal year ended July 26) were $1.38 billion.

Sales reached $1.6 billion in fiscal 1995.

After developing considerable expertise in factory automation, Unifi in 1999 formed a spin-off company to apply these skills to other textile firms and other industries.

Brian R. Parke was named CEO of Unifi in January 2000.

2001: The company's technical fabrics division is sold off.

At the end of 2003, Unifi was finalizing a partnership with a Chinese company, Kaiping Polyester Enterprises Group Company.