Return to NTA Home | List of Textile Companies | NTA Membership CommitteeBurke MillsCompany ProfileBurke Mills was founded in 1948. When Frank Gaddy and Leon Guigou opened the first dyehouse in a 1200 square foot warehouse just outside Valdese, North Carolina. It began with eight employees and a capacity of 500 pounds per week. The business grew quickly and within two years Burke Mills was dyeing polyester, rayon and acetate wrap yarn. Burke Mills grew into a "state-of-the-art" package dyehouse with 200 dedicated associates, proudly carrying on the traditions of Burke's two founders.Plant Closings and LayoffsNEWS-- On September 2, 2008 Burke Mills, Inc., Valdese, N.C. announced that it had issued the WARN Act Notice to its employees and will lay off all but a skeleton administrative staff on November 1, 2008. The company's board of directors has adopted a plan of liquidation which will be submitted to shareholders for approval at a special meeting to be held in late September. According to a September 3rd report in Just-Style Up to 130 people are believed to work at the company. In the six months to 28 June, the company recorded a 20% fall in net sales to US$8.3m. |