ASHEBORO FIRM EXTENDS ARMY CONTRACT COBLE SAYS

The cochairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus announced today that the U.S. Army has extended an apparel contract with a Randolph County apparel manufacturer guaranteeing continued employment for about 300 employees at its Asheboro facility. U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) said today that the U.S. Army has approved a deal with Fox Apparel of East Dixie Drive in Asheboro to manufacture almost 700,000 pairs of Army Uniform Combat Trousers.

Congressman Coble said he was pleased that a home-grown apparel company will continue to supply the American military with a quality product. “The U.S. Army has confirmed that Fox Apparel is providing reliable, well-made uniform trousers at a reasonable price,” Rep. Coble noted, “proving yet again, that when American workers and businesses can compete on an equal footing, they can compete with anyone.”

Today’s contract award was a continuation of a contract Rep. Coble announced last year between Fox Apparel and the Army. At that time, Congressman Coble stated that it was expected that the five-year, $103 million dollar would increase employment by about 200 people during the life of the contract. Wallace Thompson, Fox Apparel President, said employment has jumped from 98 to about 300 today. He did not expect to have to hire any additional workers presently, but did not rule out future hirings.

Even though it was a five-year contract announced last year, it is subject to annual review and renewal and can be terminated at any time. Today’s announcement confirms another year of work by Fox for the Army and is worth almost $23 million in orders.