Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing

E-39: Ready for Impact: How EDPNC Is Keeping North Carolina Competitive

Since 2015, the EDPNC has helped North Carolina win more than 500 recruitment and expansion projects, resulting in 67,000 new jobs and $14 billion in announced new investments across the state.
Economic development has been a driving force behind human progress for centuries. From the first agricultural revolution to the technological advancements of the 21st century, economic development has enabled societies to improve their living standards and promote social welfare.
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) partner focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world. With a staff of more than 70 professionals and an annual operating budget of more than $24 million, the EDPNC is focused on improving the economic well-being and quality of life of North Carolina’s over 10 million residents.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz interviews Chris Chung the Chief Executive Officer of EDPNC. He brings over 25 years of state-level economic development experience to his role. Chris previously held various executive and management responsibilities at the Missouri Partnership (2007-2014) and the Ohio Department of Development, now known as Jobs Ohio (1997-2007). Chris attended The Ohio State University (OSU), graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in Japanese and economics. He also completed significant coursework toward a Master’s in Public Policy and Management.
Phil and Chris discuss reshoring jobs back to America, how geopolitical instability threatens US supply chains, North Carolina’s economic development and more.
LINKS
NCMEP
EDPNC
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Chris Chung
Chris Chung has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Partnership for North Carolina (EDPNC) since 2015. He brings over 20 years of state-level economic development experience to his role. Chris previously held various executive and management responsibilities at the Missouri Partnership (2007-2014) and the Ohio Department of Development, now known as Jobs Ohio (1997-2007). Chris attended The Ohio State University (OSU), graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in Japanese and economics. He also completed significant coursework toward a Master’s in Public Policy and Management.

E-38 A Sturdy Solution - BeachBUB

Greensboro, NC manufacturer beachBUB has worked to revolutionize beach umbrella safety.
We all consider going to the beach an opportunity for a relaxing experience. Still, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 2,800 beachgoers ended up in the emergency room because of beach umbrella injuries between 2010 and 2018. Our focus in this episode is on a North Carolina business that aims to decrease that number to zero.
Established in 2013, beachBUB© is a family-owned manufacturer based out of Greensboro, NC, producing all-in-one beach umbrellas and umbrella accessories. Their patented umbrella base folds up to the size of a paperback book and weighs less than half a pound. When filled with sand, it weighs 125 pounds, can withstand winds up to 35 mph, takes up very little space, and can be filled by a child in less than 2 minutes. 
The beachBUB© umbrella system won the 2022 Coolest Thing Made in NC contest in the small business category. BeachBUB© has been featured on the Today Show, QVC, Good Morning America and multiple local news stations nationwide.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with beachBUB© founder Bill Schermerhorn. Phil Mintz and Bill discuss the founding of beachBUB©, beachBUB© unique workforce, why beach umbrella safety is vital and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
BeachBUB
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bill Schermerhorn
Bill Schermerhorn is the founder and present of beach umbrella manufacturer, beachBUB.He is also working with a task group through ASTM International to advance his work and prevent further beach umbrella related injuries or deaths.

E-37: When One Door Closes…

Lillington, NC-based security door manufacturer Boon Edam, strives to make buildings safer with “smart doors.”
There has been a lot of discussion around the cybersecurity of organizations and while cybersecurity should be taken seriously, so should the physical security of your organization. If entryway security isn’t taken seriously, people could easily access sensitive data, cause damage to company property or harm the organization’s workers and patrons.
Boon Edam is an entry solutions manufacturer that has evolved from that first wooden revolving door into a mini-multinational organization that conceptualizes, engineers, designs, manufactures and installs a range of traditional and contemporary entry solutions. Their range includes energy-efficient revolving doors, technologically advanced high-security doors and portals, robust turnstiles, innovative speed lanes and wide lane access gates.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with the Lillington, NC Boon Edam value stream manager, Brooks O’Quinn. O’Quinn started out working at Research Triangle Institute in research and development. He got his introduction to manufacturing when he developed a semiconductor product he’d been working on into a venture capital funded company. After seven years of gaining manufacturing experience, a global company bought his business and he began work with Boon Edam.
Phil Mintz and Brooks O’Quinn discuss O’Quinn’s manufacturing beginnings, Boon Edams’s innovative entry solutions, the talent needed for the organization to function and more.
LINKS
NCMEP
Boon Edam
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Brooks O’Quinn
Brooks O’Quinn is the department manager for the Boon Edam located in Lillington, NC. O’Quinn started out working at Research Triangle Institute in research and development. He got his introduction to manufacturing when he developed a semiconductor product he’d been working on into a venture capital funded company. After seven years of gaining manufacturing experience, a global company bought his business and he began work with Boon Edam.
 

E-36 Smart Textile Technology: The Future of Fabrication

NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions’ (IES) North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP), creates opportunities for smart textile innovators. 
As our lives become ever connected through smart phones, tablets and other devices, the way we interact has changed dramatically and that even applies to textiles. Textiles come in a wide variety of forms, from clothing to bedding to household items. Smart textiles include the next generation of wearable technologies. They combine textile design with advanced sensing capabilities. This new class of materials promises to revolutionize the future of wearable computing.
In 2021, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) awarded North Carolina State University IES a grant under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP). The DMCSP is designed to support long-term community investments that strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the defense manufacturing industrial ecosystem. The program was created to recognize communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding defense manufacturing by bringing together key local stakeholders and using long-term planning that integrates targeted public and private investments across a community’s entire defense industrial ecosystem.
In this episode of Clocking In Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. William Reynolds and Dr. Casey Boutwell - two participants in the NC DMCSP sponsored propeller project looking to market their breakthrough smart textile technology. 
Founded in 2017, Onda Vision Technologies (OVT) is a North Carolina State University startup company. OVT is a spin-out company from the North Carolina State University’s Advanced Self-Powered Systems Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) Center, which is a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored Nanosystems Engineering Research Center (NERC). 
Onda Vision has developed a wearable sensor for real-time hydration monitoring to optimize human performance and health. Onda Vision’s Founder, Dr. William D. Reynolds, Jr Ph.D, has over 20 years of experience in research and development between the commercial and government sector. His management experience extends over fifteen years of building and leading high-performing corporate science and engineering teams. Onda Vision are developing a wearable sensor that has the ability to monitor body hydration in real-time. Dr. Reynolds’ background and expertise cover signal processing, deep learning and algorithm development. Dr. Reynolds has attended the University of Delaware and the University of Illinois-Chicago. 
Dr. Casey Boutwell, Ph.D MBA, is the chief executive officer of DermiSense Inc., a startup company commercializing a medical diagnostic technology developed at NCSU that uses a microneedle patch to extract and analyze interstitial fluids in the skin. DermiSense was founded in 2018 when the founding team licensed the underlying IP from NC State University. The company is extending their manufacturing and process optimization to increase patch area and reduce production time while continuing to collaborate with the originating lab at NCSU to explore new sensing applications.
Mintz, Reynolds and Boutwell discuss the history of Onda Vision and Dermisense, Onda Vision’s and Dermisense innovative smart textile technologies, how these technologies can help prevent things like heatstroke and detect diseases and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
Onda Vision
DermiSense
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bill Reynolds 
Dr. William D. Reynolds, Jr., has over 20 years of experience in research and development between the commercial and government sector. His management experience extends over fifteen years of building and leading high-performing corporate science and engineering teams. Dr. Reynolds’ background and expertise cover signal processing, deep learning and algorithm development. Dr. Reynolds has attended the University of Delaware and the University of Illinois Chicago. 
Casey Boutwell
Dr. Casey Boutwell, Ph.DMBA, is the chief executive officer of DermiSense. Dr. Boutwell contributes his technical expertise in micro-and nanofabrication, business experience in technology commercialization, intellectual property, and licensing strategy, and professional network in digital health and wearable biosensing systems.

E-35: Well Oiled Machine

Sanford, North Carolina-based company emerges as one of North Carolina’s leading precision machined components manufacturers.
Precision machining is a manufacturing technique where parts or components are cut into precise shapes using high-speed cutting tools such as drills, lathes, milling machines and other types of machine tools. The term ‘precision’ refers to the exactness of the final shape produced by these processes.
JMC Tool & Machine Co. is an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified leader in providing precision machined components and assemblies to a wide variety of industries including aerospace, medical,  and industrial. JMC serves regional and global manufacturing companies with locations throughout the United States from its production facility in Sanford, North Carolina.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with the general manager of JMC Tool and Machine, David Zeller. Zeller has an extensive background working with precision machined components and assemblies. Before joining JMC Tool and Machine he worked in several manufacturing positions including machinist, purchasing agent, and programming manager. In 2009, he founded DC Machine, a machine shop based out of the state of Washington. Zeller attended Renton Technical College with a concentration in Machine Tool Technology.
Phil Mintz and David Zeller discuss Zeller’s background, his passion for the art of machining, the founding of Zeller’s machine shop – DC Machine, his mission at JMC Tool and Machine and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
JMC Tool and Machine
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
David Zeller
David Zeller is the general manager of JMC Tool and Machine. Zeller has an extensive background working with precision machined components and assemblies. Before joining JMC Tool and Machine he worked in several manufacturing positions including machinist, purchasing agent, and programming manager. In 2009, he founded DC Machine, a machine shop based out of Washington. Zeller attended Renton Technical College with a concentration in Machine Tool Technology.

E-34: Educating The Workforce of the Future

Central Carolina Community College strives to teach relevant skills needed in today’s technology and artificially intelligent-driven workforce.
Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is an annual national event, coordinated by The National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, on the first Friday of Manufacturing Month – October. It’s a day designated to highlight manufacturing careers and their impact on our lives.
On Manufacturing Day 2022, Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) opened the doors of its newly established E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center for an interactive event. Manufacturers and students participated in education and networking designed to spread the good news. 
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with the president of Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, North Carolina, Dr. Lisa Chapman. Dr. Chapman has been in the North Carolina Community College System for over 30 years, coming home to CCCC in April 2019. 
She began her career as a biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, but after a few years moved into formal teaching and learning, spending several years at CCCC. Her tenure at the college included serving as a biology instructor, math and sciences department chair, academic dean, and Executive Vice President for Instruction/Chief Academic Officer overseeing instruction as well as recruiting and academic learning support services. Chapman left CCCC in 2014 to serve as the Sr. Vice President/Chief Academic Officer of the North Carolina Community College System, a position she held for 5 years before returning to Central Carolina as president.
In addition to her full-time responsibilities, Chapman also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research and the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development in the College of Education.
Phil Mintz and Dr. Chapman discuss Dr. Chapman’s background, the college’s plans to support workforce development in the world-class facility through education and hands-on training, the recently purchased addition of CCCC, the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
Central Carolina Community College
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Lisa Chapman
Dr. Chapman has been in the North Carolina Community College System for over 30 years. She currently serves as the president of Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), a position she has held since April 2019. She began her career as a biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, but after a few years moved into formal teaching and learning, spending several years at CCCC. Her tenure at the college included serving as a biology instructor, math and sciences department chair, academic dean, and Executive Vice President for Instruction/Chief Academic Officer overseeing instruction as well as recruiting and academic learning support services. Chapman left CCCC in 2014 to serve as the Sr. Vice President/Chief Academic Officer of the North Carolina Community College System, a position she held for 5 years before returning to Central Carolina as president. In addition to her full-time responsibilities, Chapman also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research and the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development in the College of Education.

E-33: Strengthening Workplace Attraction and Retention

Dr. Jenni Harris discusses the value the North Carolina Department of Commerce - Workforce Solutions Division provides to North Carolina workers.
North Carolina has long been a great place to live and raise a family. The state ranks high in quality of life, economic opportunity, and educational attainment. Despite these positive trends, North Carolina continues to lag behind neighboring states regarding employment rates.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of July 2022, North Carolina was ranked 28th in unemployment, with 3.4% of North Carolinians unemployed. Despite being 28th in unemployment, North Carolina ranks 8th in job growth, meaning there are enough jobs but not enough trained labor. The North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division is working on training to advance the careers of North Carolinians and assist organizations in locating talented and committed workers. 
The North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division provides services to businesses and organizations throughout the state. They collaborate with the state’s local workforce board offices to provide training, counseling, job placement, and other resources to help companies hire qualified workers. They also assist unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking new employment opportunities. 
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Jenni Harris. She is the executive director of Business Services at the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions division. Dr. Harris is no stranger to the broader work of the Commerce department as she has held positions in economic development, serves on boards in support of innovation and entrepreneurship, and has even been a business owner. Dr. Harris has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, a Master’s of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate of Public Policy and Administration from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 
Mintz and Dr. Harris discuss what type of solutions the North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division, how her experience as a business owner with employees helps with her leadership of the Business Services unit, Dr. Harris’ favorite books and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
NC Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Jenni Harris
Dr. Jenni Harris is the executive director of Business Services at the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions division. Dr. Harris has held positions in economic development, serves on boards in support of innovation and entrepreneurship and has been a business owner. Dr. Harrus has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, a Master’s of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate of Public Policy and Administration from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

E-32: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Youngsville-based manufacturer Sirchie Corp works to transform law enforcement equipment.
Law enforcement officers are often required to carry out their duties in dangerous situations. They provide surveilance, investigate crimes, and suppoet security at public events and must be prepared at all times. 
There are various types of law enforcement support equipment. These include riot gear, body armor, firearms, and vehicles along with evidence processing materials and secure storage devices. These items are essential for keeping the peace and ensuring safety. One North Carolina manufacturer works diligently to create the equipment that officers and detectives need to face anything.
Based in Youngsville, North Carolina, Sirchie Corp manufactures high-quality criminal investigation, tactical, surveillance, and other law enforcement-related solutions, including customized special purpose vehicles. They deliver industry-leading training for public safety, medical, and education communities featuring hands-on learning techniques.
In this episode, Phil Mintz sits down with Dyer Bennett, the senior vice president at Sirchie Corp. Bennett is responsible for leading all aspects of the business operation, including purchasing, manufacturing, engineering, inventory management, and order fulfillment/shipping. He also builds teams to meet the Sirchie goals of delivering world-class criminal investigation and security products with excellent customer service. Bennett has a Bachelor’s in textile engineering from Philadelphia University, a Master’s in textile science from the Institute of Textile Technology and an MBA from the Wake Forest School of Business.
Mintz and Bennett discuss Bennett’s background, what solutions Sirchie Corp provides, how they aim to make police work more accessible and safer and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
Sirchie Corp
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dyer Bennett
Dyer Bennett is the senior vice president at Sirchie Corp. He’s responsible for leading all aspects of the business operation including purchasing, manufacturing, engineering, inventory management, and order fulfillment/shipping. He also builds teams to meet the SIRCHIE goals of delivering world-class criminal investigation and security products with excellent customer service. Bennett has a Bachelor’s in textile engineering from Philadelphia University, a Master’s in textile science from the Institute of Textile Technology and an MBA from the Wake Forest School of Business.

E-31: Putting Customer Success Before Profit

An Asheville, North Carolina-based business boasts a 60% rate of repeat customers because of their excellent customer relations.
How often do you hear companies talk about customer success? You’d be surprised to learn that customer success is a relatively new concept.
Customer success is a term that describes the relationship between customers and businesses. The goal is to provide exceptional service and support to customers and ensure they continue returning for future purchases. North Carolina organization, Quis Machinery, has put this concept into action dedicated to putting its customer’s best interests first. 
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Quis Machinery uses its expertise in production to provide the manufacturing industry with solutions to improve its people, products, and processes. Their customers look to them when frustrated by the lack of qualified labor, the cost of creating high-quality customized goods or replacing antiquated production methods. Quis Machinery works with premier manufacturers of machinery and software to develop solutions that leverage your investment.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with Jason Dingess, president and owner of Quis Machinery. Jason began his career as an apprentice to a master furniture maker before attending Inside Passage School of Craftsmen. His love of woodworking, building community and having a family of his own initially led him to work for Quis Machinery. In 2017, he became the owner. He is very involved within the industry as the WMIA Technology Committee Chairperson and In 2018, he was named one of Woodworking Network’s top 40 under 40. Jason graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Arts.
Mintz and Dingess discuss how Dingess got into the woodworking industry, the solutions Quis Machinery provides, how their customer’s ideas influence the way they do business, how reshoring back to North Carolina is becoming a trend and more. 
LINKS
NCMEP
Quis Machinery
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jason Dingess
Jason Dingess is the president and owner of Quis Machinery. Jason began his career as an apprentice to a master furniture maker before attending Inside Passage School of Craftsmen. His love of woodworking, building community and having a family of his own initially led him to work for Quis Machinery. In 2017, he became the owner. He is very involved within the industry as the WMIA Technology Committee Chairperson and In 2018, he was named one of Woodworking Network’s top 40 under 40. Jason graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Arts.

E-30: Threading the Needle of Quality

Burlington, North Carolina-based fabrics manufacturer, Fairystone Fabrics, has earned its reputation for technical expertise.
North Carolina has long been known for its textile production. From the early days of cotton production through the Civil War era, North Carolina was a major producer of textiles. Today,  North Carolina produces over half of the nation’s cotton and more than 40 percent of the nation’s woolen fabric. The state also produces more than 50 percent of the nation‘s rayon fabric and 25 percent of the nation‟s linen fabric. Fairystone Fabrics has been a part of contributing to North Carolina’s booming fabric industry for 50 years. 
Based in Burlington, North Carolina, Fairystone Fabrics specializes in tricot warping, knitting and sueding. The company’s machinery operates 24/7 or 24/6, working around the clock to create quality textiles. 0% of Fairystone Fabrics waste ends up in landfills; all of the waste products are reused, recycled or used as fuel for power plants.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz talks with Chris Rojas, the vice president of Fairystone Fabrics. Chris has been at Fairystone for over five years. He started as the plant manager and was later promoted to vice president. Chris is a part of the Wolfpack family and graduated from NC State with a Bachelor’s in textile management. 
Mintz and Rojas discuss Chris Rojas’ background, the products Fairystone fabrics provide, how they’re comparing supply chain issues and more.
LINKS
NCMEP
Fairystone Fabrics
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Chris Rojas
Chris Rojas is the vice president of Fairystone Fabrics. Chris has been at Fairystone for over five years. He started as the plant manager and was later promoted to vice president. Chris is a part of the Wolfpack family and graduated from NC State with a Bachelor’s in textile management.