FULL PRESS RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 23, dozens will don hard hats to visit Echoview Fiber Mill as builders work towards completion. These guests will be among the first visitors to tour the construction of the nearly completed fiber mill, which will have the capability of processing wool, mohair, alpaca and other exotic fibers. Tours will be held Friday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Establishing a fiber mill in this area will be a step towards bringing textile processing back to North Carolina. The Carolinas were once considered a textile hub from the 1920s through much of the 20th century. But free trade regulations — combined with cheaper prices in developing countries — led to a decline in regional textile business, as local companies could no longer compete with global textile production. Echoview’s new fiber mill will join a growing movement to bring textile production back to the Southern Appalachian region.

“Supporting the region’s textile industry in a sustainable, community-focused way is a top priority as we move forward,” says Gwen Perkins, mill manager at Echoview. “At the same time, the heart of our mission is working with local farmers and breeders, as well as local artisans and crafters.”

In addition to producing quality fiber products that will make North Carolina a leader in textiles once again, the Echoview Fiber Mill will serve as a model of sustainable industry. Mill designers and builders are working towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which requires energy efficient components, sustainably-harvested resources, eco-friendly materials, clean construction techniques and more. In addition, once the mill is built, efficient technology and building systems will help save energy and lighten our footprint on the local environment every day.

“Traditionally, we work to re-purpose unoccupied textile facilities to serve a variety of uses. This rare opportunity to assist in the creation of a progressive and sustainable textile model rooted in a North Carolina tradition — while simultaneously representing Julie Jensen’s exemplary vision for the future of this industry — is a monumental privilege.” — Clearscapes Art + Architecture

About Echoview Fiber Mill
Located in Weaverville, N.C., Echoview Fiber Mill is adjacent to Echoview Farm, a 75-acre working farm committed to sustainable agriculture. When the Echoview Fiber Mill opens in late 2011, it will be a full-service, energy efficient fiber mill equipped with top-of-the-line custom equipment capable of processing wool, mohair, alpaca and other exotic fibers. Bringing together individuals from across the region, Echoview Fiber Mill will serve as a crossroads for industry and community, with a strong commitment to sustainable principles and operations.