Established in 1916, Parkdale Mills is one of the world's largest independent producers of cotton and cotton blend yarns. The company has fiber distribution centers, where all incoming fiber is tested, and a fiber research center. Its knowledge and experience support an integrated spinning approach resulting in new processes and new products. It services the knitting, weaving and hosiery industries with a varied product line. By employing spinning technologies, it is able to offer a range of counts from 2/1 to 50/1 Ne with the flexibility of fiber from carded cotton, combed cotton, 100 percent polyester, a complete gray heather line and numerous blends of polyester and cotton. Parkdale Mills has nearly 40 plants and more than 2500 employees. Its main headquarters is in Gastonia, N.C., but has other mill locations throughout North Carolina and one in Hillsville, Va.