Unifi Inc.

Unifi Inc., headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, stands as one of the most recognized names in synthetic and recycled performance fiber manufacturing. The company was founded in 1971 when Allen Mebane, Bill Kretzer, and a group of forward-thinking textile executives departed from Universal Textured Yarns to establish an independent venture dedicated to polyester yarn texturing. Their first production plant took root in Yadkin County, North Carolina, and quickly became the nucleus of a rapidly growing enterprise.

From its early days specializing in textured polyester yarn, Unifi expanded its operations across North Carolina and beyond, establishing additional manufacturing and dyeing facilities in Yadkinville and Rocky Mount. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the company had grown to become one of the largest textile producers in the United States, further broadening its portfolio by acquiring nylon production capabilities through its 1991 merger with Macfield.

Today, Unifi is perhaps best known for its flagship innovation, REPREVE, a branded recycled performance fiber manufactured from post-consumer plastic bottles and textile waste. This product has positioned Unifi at the forefront of sustainable textile manufacturing globally. Major international brands including Nike, Patagonia, Levi Strauss, and The North Face rely on REPREVE fiber for their eco-conscious product lines. Unifi’s recycling technology has transformed billions of plastic bottles into high-performance yarn, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in the circular economy of textiles.

Operating across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, Unifi serves yarn manufacturers, knitters, weavers, and global brands across diverse sectors including apparel, hosiery, home furnishings, automotive, and industrial markets. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol UFI and remains a key player in the international textile directory.