This EDA investment supports the purchase of extrusion equipment for gaston college in dallas, north carolina

This EDA (Economic Development Administration) Project Grant award of $2,280,000 supports the purchase of extrusion equipment for Gaston College in Dallas, North Carolina. The equipment will enhance the capabilities of Gaston College's Textile Technology Center, a world-class testing and product development facility focused on the textile and apparel industry. The funding will enable Gaston College to expand its textile-related services, including fabric materials testing, dyeing, finishing, and melt extrusion. This investment aims to strengthen the regional textile/apparel ecosystem, support existing industry firms, build the talent pipeline, and promote entrepreneurial opportunities. The project is expected to be completed by September 28, 2025.

The equipment will help improve the textile and apparel ecosystem by supporting the needs of existing firms in the industry cluster, strengthening the talent pipeline, and promoting entrepreneurial opportunities. The project will provide resources for the college's textile technology center, a world-class testing and idea generation laboratory focused on creating and helping businesses commercialize products using a range of new textile products. Once completed, gaston college will have an increase in enrollment, which will help the region create new job opportunities to boost economic development and advance economic resiliency in an area that has been impacted by the decline in the coal industry.