Coble applauds new Army contract that will mean 200 new jobs for Asheboro

Washington, Feb 10 - The Cochairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus is applauding today’s announcement that the U.S. Army has selected an Asheboro apparel manufacturer to produce new uniforms, meaning 200 new manufacturing jobs for Randolph County. U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC), confirmed that Fox Apparel of Asheboro has been awarded a five-year, $103.4 million contract to manufacture Army Uniform Combat Trousers.

Congressman Coble said he was proud that the Army had selected a homegrown manufacturer to provide its uniforms. “With so many textile and apparel manufacturing jobs being exported overseas,” Rep. Coble stated, “I am particularly proud that the U.S. Army will supply its men and women with uniforms produced right here in the 6th District. We have worked with Fox Apparel in the past, and I know its employees do outstanding work. I am thrilled that there will be many more joining their ranks thanks to this Army contract.”

Wallace Thompson, Fox Apparel President, said this contract will mean stability for his company and its employees. “I told our people that they can stop looking over their shoulders,” Thompson noted, “and that their jobs are not going to China. My passport has expired, and thanks to this contract, we can grow this company right here in Asheboro. In addition to the stability this contract provides, it also means that Fox Apparel is now the prime small business contractor for the federal government. ”

Fox Apparel, located on East Dixie Street in Asheboro, currently employs 200 people at its Randolph County facility. This contract, awarded by the Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, will require Fox Apparel to add another 200 jobs to meet the demand. Fox President Thompson expects the jobs to pay in a range from $8-14 an hour. No word yet on when the company will begin adding the new positions.

Rep. Coble praised Fox Apparel for being so diligent in pursuing this contract with the Army. “I know this has been a long haul for the folks at Fox,” Rep. Coble said, “but their hard work has paid off. We know our workers can compete with anyone when given a fair chance, and now the Army has validated that opinion. We look forward to working with Fox Apparel in the years to come in fulfilling this contract and obtaining additional work.”