Unifi Inc. will expand the global availability of its Repreve recycled fiber and other premier value-added yarns through a new division in Sri Lanka called Unifi Textiles Colombo Private Ltd.
Based in the capital of Colombo, the new expansion is expected to begin operations by the end of the third quarter of 2016, Unifi said Thursday. The expansion comes on the heels of Unifi’s creation of new distribution channels through a Repreve licensed manufacturing deal with Korteks in Turkey and a distribution agreement with Sun Chemical in Taiwan.
“UTCL demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence in our global supply chain,” said Tom Caudle, president of Unifi, based in Greensboro, N.C. “Our global footprint for PVA products includes the Americas, China, Turkey, Taiwan and now Sri Lanka, which means that we can supply our customers anywhere in the world in which they choose to develop a program.”
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Jay Hertwig, vice president of global brand sales, marketing and product development for Unifi, added, “Built on high product quality and strong social and environmental standards, Sri Lanka is a compelling sourcing alternative in South Asia. UTCL will provide Unifi with the flexibility and speed-to-market required to respond to the ever-changing needs of our customers.”
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Hertwig Unifi Textiles Colombo will provide sales, marketing and distribution of Repreve and PVA products produced in Sri Lanka through a manufacturing partnership. A distribution center is planned.
Unifi is a multinational manufacturing company that produces and sells textured and other processed polyester and nylon yarns, and premier value-added yarns with enhanced performance characteristics. In addition to its flagship Repreve products — a family of eco-friendly yarns made from recycled materials — key Unifi brands include Sorbtek, Reflexx, AIO all-in-one performance yarns, Satura, Augusta, A.M.Y., Mynx UV and Microvista. Unifi’s yarns are used in major brands in the apparel, hosiery, automotive, home furnishings and industrial markets.
In the third quarter ended March 27, Unifi reported net income fell three percent to $9.7 million from $10 million in the prior-year quarter. Net sales were off 6.3 percent to $161.3 million compared to $172.2 million.