Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center Ribbon-Cutting
Gaston College has opened its new Fiber Innovation Center, a facility designed to advance textile technology, sustainability, and workforce development across the region. The 39,000-square-foot center on the Kimbrell campus will offer training, product development, and research opportunities in fiber solutions for students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
As the first facility of its kind in the region, the Fiber Innovation Center combines equipment, training, and industry expertise. It creates a hub for innovation in Belmont, eliminating the need for out-of-state travel for fiber testing and development.
“This is a transformational project for Gaston College and for the future of the textile industry,” said Dr. John Hauser, president of Gaston College. “The Fiber Innovation Center represents a commitment to sustainable progress, workforce readiness, and regional economic development.”
Hauser acknowledged the partnerships between Gaston College and state legislators, like Sen. Brad Overcash, who contributed to the project.
“This building, and the partnerships that have come together to create this Fiber Innovation Center, is a declaration that the future of the textile industry is bright in North Carolina and Gaston County and beyond,” Overcash said.
The Fiber Innovation Center includes an extrusion lab, yarn and filament processing areas, and space for entrepreneurs. It aims to fuel job creation, academic advancement, and economic development.
“This Fiber Innovation Center is unique, there’s nothing like this anywhere in the world. Researchers, brands, companies from around the globe can come here and create, they can come here and develop, and they can take something tangible and make it a reality,” said Parkdale Mills Chairman and CEO Andy Warlick.
Stephen Sharp, vice president of Fiber Innovation and Facilities Development, said the facility will position Gaston College at the forefront of textile and materials science innovation.
“The Kimbrell Fiber Innovation was built with a clear purpose: to turn bold ideas into tangible solutions. This center is where innovation meets translation. It’s a space where we can all move from concept to creation, from the molecule to the finished fabric,” Sharp said. “Importantly, it’s designed to serve everyone from startups to global leaders by housing cutting-edge equipment with the expertise to match.”
You can watch the recording of this event on Gaston College’s YouTube Channel.
Learn more about the Fiber Innovation Center.
