Big things are in the works for Appalachian Gear Company, thanks to a recent grant that will make it possible to take grow its business. The outdoor lifestyle brand has received a $50,000 grant through the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. The investment is part of a statewide funding commitment to strengthe rural communities, including Appalachian Gear Company’s home base of Kings Mountain.
Appalachian Gear Company relocated to Kings Mountain in Spring 2021 to accommodate its growth and has since seen the need for additional expansion to support the demand for its high-performance alpaca fiber outdoor apparel and gear.
The grant money will contribute to the revitalization of a historic 10,000 square foot building in the heart of Kings Mountain, where Appalachian Gear Company plans to begin its own cut-and-sew operation and eventually open a retail storefront.
“We are so excited to be able to bring this expansion, and the jobs that will come along with it, to Kings Mountain and Cleveland County,” said Appalachian Gear Company co-founder John Gage. “The Building Reuse Grant is a cornerstone in our effort to not only bring award-winning apparel manufacturing back to the U.S., but also to become one of the only vertically integrated outdoor lifestyle brands in the country. We are grateful for this opportunity and have every intention of investing right back into the community that has shown us so much support…we can’t wait to see our big ideas for Kings Mountain come to life!”
Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler added, “Textiles has always been the fabric of our society. It’s in our blood! So, it is gratifying to see that Appalachian Gear has found a niche in the ever-changing textile climate. We welcome them to Kings Mountain and hope it will result in them being very successful.”
To learn more about Appalachian Gear Company’s return to Kings Mountain, watch here.
