News »
Solid Stone Fabrics-- Business gives hope in future
Feb 24, 2009
| ||
Sunday, February 22, 2009 Solid Stone Fabrics President David Stone admits his company is bucking the trend in developing a cut and sew operation in the United States, let alone Martinsville. After all, virtually all textile operations left this country - and this area - in the past decade, flocking to cheap labor in foreign countries. But Solid Stone gives us reason to think there still is a place for a domestic textile industry. It may not be quite the same as it was in the 20th century, but this is a new century with new ways of doing business. Solid Stone has sold specialty fabrics since 2003. It began in the basement of David Stone's home, grew into the West Piedmont Business Development Center and now is in the Fayette Street building that once housed Troxler Furniture and an antique mall. It has grown from three employees to 15. Now, the company is hiring sewing operators to handle orders that can range from gymnastics costumes to men's jumpsuits. Stone is counting on the skilled labor force that once made this the "Sweatshirt Capital of the World" to serve customers who want fast turnaround, high quality and American-made textiles. He is starting small but envisions a time when many of the vacant buildings uptown are filled with sewing operations. So what makes David Stone think this company can succeed where others have not? He has the contacts of a career in the textile industry. He has a track record of steady progress. And his business has made a profit every year. All of those speak well for his plans. Small but well-grounded, well-staffed and well-operated businesses such as Solid Stone Fabrics are critical to rebuilding this area and the textile industry. |
