Frontier Spinning Mills, the second largest yarn spinner in the Western Hemisphere as part of its expansion project is planning to invest $6 million to add new, state-of-the-art fiber preparation and open-end spinning equipment at its plant in Elmore County. The project also involves the addition of warehouse space at the facility.

Robin Perkins, the company’s CEO said that they ares very pleased to announce this significant investment in the Wetumpka Plant. They appreciate the support of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority and the State of Alabama.

Perkins added that the Wetumpka Plant has a history of excellence in quality, safety, productivity, and cost. It has been the commitment and dedication of theirr employees over the years that has established Frontier as the premier yarn producer in the United States and globally. This project provides stability and growth for this operation, Elmore County, and Frontier.

This expansion project shows that Frontier Spinning has great confidence in its Alabama workforce. Frontier expects to complete the expansion project at the Alabama plant by Aug. 1. The facility primarily uses cotton and polyesters fibers in an open-end spinning process that creates yarn without using a spindle.

Frontier is an industry leader in open-end spinning technology, and this new investment will enhance productivity at the Elmore County facility and position it for the future, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Frontier starting with a single open-end spinning facility in North Carolina two decades ago, has grown into one of the world’s largest producers of 100 percent cotton and cotton-blend yarns for the knitting and weaving industries.

Its yarns find their way to major retailers in the form of denim, sweat shirts, socks, underwear, T-shirts, and home furnishings. Finished industrial products produced with Frontier yarn include medical gauze, tape, scrim fabrics, inner liners for gloves, and support bandages.

According to the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, Frontier operating in Elmore County since 2001, is one of the county’s largest manufacturing employers. They are delighted that 16 years ago Frontier Yarns selected Elmore County as one of their manufacturing sites and are now expanding their facility.