Hornwood Textile Company to Shut Down After 80 Years, 150 Jobs at Risk in Anson County

An institution deeply woven into the fabric of Anson County is preparing to close. The Hornwood Textile Company, a knitting mill that has operated for eight decades, is halting all production at its Lilesville facility, leaving approximately 150 workers without employment within the next eight to ten weeks.

The Hornwood Textile closure has sent a wave of concern through the local community, where generations of residents have built their livelihoods around the plant.

Community Leaders React to the Closure

Jamie Caudle, Chair of the Anson County Board of Commissioners, described the news as a shock to residents and officials alike.

“There are several people in the community who’ve retired or spent their whole lives working there,” Caudle said. “It’s going to be a change to the area and to the citizens.”

Hornwood, which manufactures various fabrics including athletic wear under the label Game Time Fabrics, cited its “financial position” as the reason it can no longer continue in business — a brief but telling explanation offered through an internal memo. Caudle noted that the company had held contracts with larger name-brand sporting attire companies, though he declined to identify them specifically.

“We used to be a stronghold for textiles in this county, and we’ve seen them dwindle over the years,” Caudle said. “We are actually pretty fortunate that Hornwood held on as long as they did.”

Efforts to obtain a comment directly from Hornwood leadership — in person, by phone, and via email — were unsuccessful. The company stated it had no comment on the closure.

Anson County’s Textile Legacy and What Comes Next

The Hornwood Textile closure marks yet another chapter in the long decline of textile manufacturing across Anson County. Despite repeated outreach, county officials remain focused on what the shuttered facility could attract next.

“Our whole focus is to recruit something back into that facility. What that looks like, I can’t tell you right now,” Caudle said.

Even amid the loss, Caudle pointed to signs of broader economic activity in the county.

“We’ve got a rock quarry, a slaughterhouse opening up. You’ve got another knitting mill that announced six to eight months ago, so there are several job opportunities in this county where employers will be looking to hire,” he said. “Employers are coming in, so there are opportunities here. We’re always wanting more, but there are opportunities here.”

Statement from Anson County Chamber of Commerce

Sandy Cox, President and CEO of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the weight of the Hornwood Textile closure while expressing measured optimism about what may follow.

“The loss of a major employer is significant, and our first concern is for the employees and families who are affected,” Cox stated. “But I also believe we need to look ahead. Anson County has an opportunity to take a facility like this and turn a difficult situation into something positive for our community.”

Cox noted that any incoming business could potentially employ even more people, offer higher-paying jobs, and bring fresh investment into the area.

“The next company that comes into that location could potentially employ even more people, provide higher-paying jobs, and bring new investment into Anson County. We have a workforce, we have a location, and we have a community that is ready for new opportunities,” she said.

“This is certainly a change for Anson County, but I don’t believe it has to define our future,” Cox added. “Our Leadership Anson visits Hornwood each year and the tour is fascinating. We are grateful to Hornwood for the many years of service to our community and they will be sorely missed.”

Workforce Support Resources Available to Displaced Workers

For the roughly 150 workers facing unemployment as a result of the Anson County jobs loss, several local resources are available to assist with the transition.

The NC Works Career Center in Wadesboro provides free internet access and hands-on assistance with resumes and cover letters, along with interview preparation workshops.

South Piedmont Community College, located in Polkton, offers both short- and long-term educational programs aligned with local workforce needs. Its Human Resource Development program is specifically designed to help displaced employees build practical skills — including communication, problem-solving, and computer basics — while also supporting job search strategies.

Participants in the program can earn credentials such as the National Career Readiness Certificate or the Working Smart Credential, which are recognized by employers as indicators of job readiness. Additionally, the college’s SP Career Connector serves as a one-stop resource offering career services to students, alumni, and employers.

Tuition at South Piedmont is waived for students who are unemployed, underemployed, or have received formal notice of a layoff — a provision directly applicable to many of those affected by the Lilesville manufacturing shutdown.

The Hornwood Textile closure, with the facility expected to cease operations fully within eight to ten weeks, represents a significant shift for Anson County’s workforce landscape. County leaders, community organizations, and local institutions are working in concert to ensure that displaced workers have access to the support and opportunities they need going forward.