Textile company eyeing Houston for Mexico operation

WARNER ROBINS -- For many years textile industries in Middle Georgia closed to move to Mexico, but now one may be coming the other way.

The Houston County Development Authority has been showing buildings to a small textile manufacturer looking to move an operation from Mexico to Georgia. Angie Gheesling, the authority's executive director, told the board Wednesday that demand for the "Made in the USA" label is driving the company's interest.

Referred to only as "Project Journey," Gheesling said the company is looking for an existing building of about 10,000 square feet. It would employ about 40 people.

Due to tax incentives, only an area near Robins Air Force Base and another in Perry would meet the needs. The authority has identified three buildings in those two areas for the company to consider.

She said it's a good, philanthropic company.

"It will be a heartbreaker if they choose another community over us," she said.

She said there's a nationwide trend of companies moving operations back to the U.S. from Mexico.

She wasn't sure how many other communities the company might be looking at. However, she said the company is owned by a Georgia family.

Gheesling also mentioned another project that is larger but in earlier stages. An aerospace company that would possibly employ 400 people has expressed an interest in Houston.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 10:05 AM with the headline "Textile company eyeing Houston for Mexico operation ."