Three rural Triad economic projects awarded state grant funding

Economic-development projects in Asheboro, Lexington and Reidsville are receiving grant funding from the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority, the governor's office said Thursday.

"These grants contribute to our state's positive momentum by making necessary infrastructure improvements that will bring good-paying jobs and help communities thrive," Gov. Josh Stein said in the news release.

In the vacant building category, Reidsville was awarded a $400,000 grant to support the reuse of a 125,000-square-foot building within Global Textile Properties facility on Holiday Loop Road.

The building is being leased by Talalay Global Inc., a manufacturer of latex mattresses, mattress components, mattress toppers and pillows.

Talalay plans to create 52 jobs and spend $725,000 on capital investments on the project. Production is projected to begin in early 2027.

Rockingham County Economic Development and Tourism followed the governor's news release by providing more details of the project that includes the company paying an average annual wage of $50,278.

For more information about Talalay and/or job opportunities with Talalay, go to www.talalayglobal.com or email jdean@talalayglobal.com.

The Reidsville facility will complement the company's manufacturing operation in Connecticut and distribution center in Arizona, expanding production capacity and strengthening its North American supply chain.

"This investment represents an exciting next step for Talalay Global as we expand our capabilities, bring the latest technology to our operations, and continue building on our long-standing commitment to quality and innovation," Talalay chief executive Marc Navarre said in a statement.

Reidsville Mayor Donald Gorham said the Talalay project "represents exactly the kind of growth we strive to attract - new investment, quality jobs and the successful reuse of an existing industrial facility."

Also in the vacant building category, Lexington received a $250,000 grant toward the reuse of a 214,592-square-foot plant.

Supreme Nonwoven Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Supreme Group India, pledged Wednesday to create 50 jobs and spend $25.8 million on capital investments in Lexington. The grant requires Supreme to create at least 34 jobs and spend at least $569,941 on capital investments.

The company has been made eligible for performance-based incentives of up to $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, which requires matching local incentives.

In the public infrastructure category, Asheboro received a $225,000 grant to help the city rehabilitate 450 linear feet on North and Trade streets, including installing new sidewalks, curbs and gutters and burying power lines.

The overall streetscape project is meant to include pedestrian and accessibility improvements, traffic calming and street design, and lighting improvements. The grant is expected to leverage an additional investment of $1,71 million.

The authority reviews and approves funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by the Rural Economic Development Division of the state Commerce Department.

Grants support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, building expansion, building demolition and site improvements.

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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 4:05 AM.