The investment added 50,000 square feet to one of Frontier's two manufacturing facilities in Sanford. It also included new machinery and 24 jobs to operate and maintain the additional equipment.

John Maness, Frontier's executive vice president, says the move was designed meet a growing market for the company's 100-percent cotton and polyester-cotton yarns.

"We've seen a steady increase in demand, so we took the opportunity to grow with our customers," said Maness. "The expansion was completed early this month and we're now in full operation."

Founded in 1996, Frontier has relied on innovation and state-of-the-art technology to become the nation's second-largest producer of spun yarns. It currently operates two manufacturing plants in Sanford, two in Mayodan and one in Wetumpka, Ala.

Frontier supplies both domestic and international customers, and its yarns are used in a wide range of products — from clothing and sheeting to duct tape and cotton gauze.

The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities.

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