Industry News
Cut-and-Sew Manufacturing Returns to North Carolina with Rebirth of Historic Textile Mill
In late 2020, Deanna Hodges, a seasoned fashion executive, business advisor, speaker, and author with over 30 years in leadership roles in the fashion and textile industry purchased the old Duplan Mill, which was once a vibrant part of the textile industry in Lincoln County. Over the years, the building was abandoned and left in ruins. During the pandemic, California-based Deanna Hodges was inspired to fulfill her dream of bringing manufacturing back to the United States and was determined to reshore her textile and cut-n-sew businesses as well.
She spent many months researching multiple states and locations looking for a home for a new manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters. Finally, her search ended in North Carolina with the historic Duplan Mill property in uptown Lincolnton that needed to be loved back into operation.
Seeing beauty in the historic property, Hodges purchased the former mill with the support of the city and the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA). Over the past eighteen months, Hodges has led the restoration effort to reestablish the mill and bring textile manufacturing back to the city of Lincolnton. A recipient of a US CDBG grant and recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, Hodges International has officially finished phase 1 of the revitalization and has begun manufacturing operations. The mill's capabilities include expansive operations such as cut-n-sew manufacturing, towel weaving, circular knitting, embroidery, and more.
As an important leader in North Carolina manufacturing, Deanna Hodges holds an MBA and MIB from Webster University, both earned with honors, and is the founder of Hodges International, H2 Home Collection, and Hodges Collection.
A Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, in Lincolnton, North Carolina The event commemorated the rebirth of the old mill, the opening of Hodges International, and served as the dedication service to rename the mill. With a commitment to creating jobs and bringing manufacturing back to the USA, we are proudly christening the mill as Sparty Mill – named for her dog, Sparty.
This is Deanna‘s first step in bringing cut-and-sew manufacturing back to the United States.
Deanna Hodges, founder of Hodges International, H2 Home Collection, and Hodges Collection.
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