Nufabrx, Glen Raven, Nester Hosiery win N.C. Governor’s Export Awards

Posted February 11, 2021

RALEIGH, N.C. – Nufabrx, Glen Raven and Nester Hosiery were among 13 winners of the 2020 Governor’s Export Awards, N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper announced.

Winners ranged from a small wooden-boat builder in southeast North Carolina to one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world.

“These diverse companies raise the profile of North Carolina-made products around the world, promoting excellence in goods and services made possible by the exceptional workforce in our state,” Gov. Cooper said. “Today, we honor these companies for the way their exports promote the North Carolina economy, their grit during tough economic times and the more than 412,000 jobs they support statewide.”

Nufabrx, based at the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) in Conover, N.C., was presented the Export Innovation Award. Nufabrx uses a patented technology to embed active ingredients and medications into fabrics for socks, compression sleeves, workout clothing and gloves that allows controlled release of pain-easing treatments.

When the coronavirus hit, the company also began producing a reusable antimicrobial, copper-infused face mask. Over the past two years, Nufabrx has exhibited in EDPNC-funded booths at trade shows in the United Arab Emirates and Chile.

Glen Raven, based in Glen Raven, N.C., shared the Top Large Business Exporters Award with Novo Nordisk, based in Clayton, N.C. Founded in 1880, Glen Raven is a global provider of performance fabrics with sales in more than 120 countries. Its brands, which include well-known Sunbrella, serve markets such as upholstery, marine, shading, automotive, military and protective work wear. The company has exhibited with the EDPNC in Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and other locations.

Nester Hosiery, Mount Airy, N.C., shared the Top Rural Exporters Award with Budsin Electric Boats in Marshallberg, N.C.

Nester Hosiery manufactures innovative merino wool socks for mountaineers, firefighters, military personnel, athletes and others wanting high performance. Its Farm to Feet brand made in Mount Airy exclusively uses U.S.-sourced materials. The company has consulted with EDPNC overseas trade offices and used EDPNC-administered federal grants to help pay for trade show participation in Germany.

Each of the manufacturers being recognized has turned to the state for help increasing its international sales. These free services are delivered through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), which selects award winners from the more than 600 companies its international trade team supports each year.

Other 2020 Governor’s Export Award winners are:
 

• Advanced Superabrasives Inc. in Madison County

• C.R. Onsrud Inc. in Iredell County

• Budsin Electric Boats in Carteret County

• Latitude Aero in Guilford County

• Grady-White Boats in Pitt County

• Novo Nordisk in Johnston County

• Redeye Worldwide in Orange County

• Tactical Support Equipment in Cumberland County

• DGL Logistics in Mecklenburg County

• 
  Sharyn Koenig of the Export-Import Bank of the United States

“We assist manufacturers with everything from export-education seminars and foreign market intelligence to trade show support and introductions to international distributors,” said John Loyack, EDPNC vice president for Global Business Services. “And since the pandemic shut down international travel and in-person trade events, we’re helping more exporters pivot to doing business virtually. That includes leveraging grants that help manufacturers pay for exhibiting in online trade shows, or for translation and search-engine optimization of their website in other countries.”

Source: N.C. Dept of Commerce