North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) announced that Halifax Linen Service Inc. will invest $2.05 million to expand its operation in Roanoke Rapids.
“Halifax Linen’s decision to reinvest in North Carolina is a testament to the strength of our state’s textile heritage and the opportunities available to companies that choose to grow here,” Gov. Stein said. “Building on the company’s 80 years of success in Halifax County, this expansion reflects Halifax Linen’s longstanding commitment to the community and reinforces that rural North Carolina is an excellent place to invest, grow and do business.”
Founded in Halifax County in 1946, Halifax Linen has grown from a laundry service to a modern regional supplier of commercial textiles and facility services for the healthcare and hospitality industries. This expansion will connect a 13,000-square-foot building to the existing facility for additional warehousing and production space. The third-generation family-owned company currently has two sites across the state to support its rental service network that covers four states in the Southeast. In addition to offering laundry services and producing linens and garments, the company provides floor and restroom products and other facility services.
“Eighty years ago, Halifax Linen Service began right here in Halifax County,” said Preston McElheney, president of Halifax Linen Service Inc. “Three generations later, we are still investing in the same community and, most importantly, in the people who have made this company what it is today. Our industry has changed dramatically, and we have always believed that embracing change is essential to remaining successful. This expansion is about much more than adding space or equipment. It is about strengthening our ability to serve our customers, creating opportunities for our employees, and ensuring Halifax remains a strong, independent, family-owned business for generations to come. We are proud of our history, excited about our future, and grateful to the state of North Carolina and our local partners for their continued support.”
The expansion project will add 11 new jobs. Although wages will vary by position, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $51,386, which exceeds Halifax County’s average of $46,332.
A performance-based grant of $30,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support Halifax Linens’ expansion. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the Rural Infrastructure Authority, the North Carolina Community College System, Halifax Community College, Halifax County and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission.
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