Key developments in production of CRAiLAR fibre

14 Mar '12

5 min read

NAT finalized plans this week for a long-term lease with an option to purchase the building, and its full execution is contingent upon tax and job creation incentives in review with Florence County. A first hearing took place on February 16 and a second is scheduled for March 15. A final environmental and incentives review is scheduled for hearing on April 19 and would complete the process. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $263,500 for building upfit and job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.

"South Carolina has a strong history in the textile, advanced materials and agribusiness sectors, and today's announcement builds on all three. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Pamplico and we appreciate Naturally Advanced Technologies' decision to do business in South Carolina," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

"On behalf of the State of South Carolina, I would like to congratulate Naturally Advanced Technologies for their commitment to Florence County. As the State Senator and a resident of Florence County, I am thrilled to see another new capital investment and an increase in jobs. This company has enormous growth potential here in South Carolina," said state Senator Hugh K. Leatherman.

NAT's 2011 business activities included purchasing agreements with HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific and Brilliant Global Knitwear, along with development agreements with Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, and Target. The first commercial result, with Hanes, received recognition this month.

"We are proud to see our investments and hard work beginning to pay off in the form of the production of CRAiLAR for commercial use. We're particularly excited that Hanesbrands, our first production partner for CRAiLAR, is being recognized this month for its sustainability efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and that it cited the use of our flax fiber in its EcoSmart socks, which will be available at retail in April."

"We thank the State of South Carolina, Florence County, and all those who helped to establish the Company's presence in South Carolina," said Barker. "The establishment of our first full-scale production facility, alongside our new partnership in neighboring Georgia through Tintoria, gives us a foothold in one of the most important agricultural and manufacturing regions in North America. We look forward to further establishing our commercial, agricultural and civic partnerships there."

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce received the Silver Award from Business Facilities magazine, placing second in the 2011 Economic Development Deal of the Year competition.

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. develops renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from flax, hemp and other bast fibers.

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