Expansions to Therafirm Compression Products in Ellerbe may be going better than expected.

In November, Gov. Bev Perdue announced that Kit-Rite Inc., a national producer of specialized socks and hosiery for the medical market would be expanding its manufacturing plant in Ellerbe. The company, headquartered in Kansas, invested more than $1.1 million and created 24 jobs at the plant.

According to plant manager Jimmy Ray, the plant was given three years to fill all 24 new positions. Nine months later, Ray reports having filled nearly all positions, and that all positions are filled by Richmond County residents.

He said the plant just ordered new equipment for packaging and boarding. All processes of making the socks takes place at the plant, starting with the knitting, then boarding which involves shaping the sock on a mechanical leg using steam, and the sewing.

“This has been nothing but positive for the community. We are able to employ people,” said Ray.

The Kansas company that owns the plant in Ellerbe produces prosthetic and socks for diabetics, compression hosiery and special textiles.

Ray has been in the textile business for 37 years, and said he is excited things are going so well.

Knit-Rite received a $24,000 grant from One NC Fund, which meant the company would receive $1,000 for every job they created. They will receive the total amount of the grant money once all positions are filled.

Dawn Kurry can be reached at dkurry@yourdailyjournal.com or by calling 997-3111 ext. 15.