Rep. Tim Moore Tours Global Thread Maker American & Efird

eTextileCommunications

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. – This morning, freshman U.S. Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) visited American & Efird (A&E), a leading textile manufacturer, to meet with company executives and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s textile industry.

A&E, part of the Elevate Textiles group of companies, is a manufacturer and distributor of premium industrial and consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles for the apparel, automotive components, home furnishings, medical supplies, footwear and other industrial sectors. With a global footprint boasting dozens of manufacturing facilities and service centers, A&E’s products are manufactured in more than 22 countries, distributed in some 50, and sold in more than 100 nations worldwide. The company employs more than 10,000 people directly and in joint ventures. 

The meeting, attended by A&E’s leadership team, focused on local job creation, global competition and the impact of federal policy on manufacturing. During the visit, Rep. Moore – whose district includes several major textile companies – toured A&E’s historic Dyeing & Finishing facility and heard from Elevate Textiles CEO Jeffrey P. Pritchett and other executives about the company’s 134-year legacy, recent investments in revitalizing local operations and ongoing workforce needs. A&E leaders emphasized their commitment to local manufacturing, sustainability and ethical business practices while also highlighting the need to hire at least 50 more people to meet growing demand.

In a follow-up interview, Rep. Moore spoke to eTextileCommunications.com about the broader policy landscape. Rep. Moore, a Kings Mountain, N.C., native, discussed the importance of tariffs in leveling the playing field for American manufacturers, particularly in response to unfair trade practices by China.

“Most businesses understand the need for tariffs, especially when dealing with China,” Rep. Moore said. “They’ve engaged in dumping cheap goods, patent infringement and other hostile acts. Tariffs are a tool to get them to stop cheating and to protect American jobs.”

Rep. Moore acknowledged that tariffs can contribute to short-term inflationary pressures, but argued that the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. “There may be some short-term pain, but we can’t keep going the way we have. We need fair trade, not just free trade. The American worker ends up getting hurt when we let other countries bring in goods tariff-free while our exports face barriers,” he said.

This announcement was published by Devin Steele of eTextileCommunications on August 15, 2025. American & Efird is a SPESA member.

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