AEC lives its tagline, “Narrow fabrics. Infinite possibilities.” by manufacturing versatile narrow fabrics that are combinations of elastic, rigid, woven and knitted attributes. Each AEC product provides specific functionality within clients' products. Special finishes and features deliver the perfo…
AEC lives its tagline, “Narrow fabrics. Infinite possibilities.” by manufacturing versatile narrow fabrics that are combinations of elastic, rigid, woven and knitted attributes. Each AEC product provides specific functionality within clients' products. Special finishes and features deliver the performance AEC’s clients need in their own competitive marketplaces.
Our History In the mid-1980s apparel and home furnishing manufacturers were thriving in North Carolina and many of their suppliers were conveniently located nearby. Narrow fabrics played an important role in both industries. Elastics were in high demand for underwear, shapewear, athletic wear and other apparel. Sheeting and mattress manufacturing also required narrow fabrics.
Asheboro Elastics Corp’s founding partners, Keith Crisco and his colleagues, had extensive experience in narrow fabrics and the desire to launch their own company. AEC opened in 1986, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Asheboro, North Carolina. The Company quickly earned its reputation for knitted elastic, supported with excellent service. By the 1990s, Keith Crisco transformed AEC into a family-owned company, successfully addressing core business in the apparel industry and developing narrow fabrics for new markets.
Through acquisitions and organic growth, AEC grew significantly, while embracing new manufacturing and finishing technologies. AEC’s reputation for knitted elastics expanded to include woven products and rigid narrow fabrics. New capabilities with color-matching, printing, weaving, and finishing supported customers’ branding and manufacturing initiatives. Great product development, high-quality manufacturing and outstanding service initiatives continued to expand AEC’s reputation and success.
In 2011, AEC celebrated its 25th anniversary as a significant, preferred supplier of narrow fabrics to many industries, with worldwide distribution and additional manufacturing in Central America to augment its North Carolina plants. Products support diversified markets ranging from apparel, home furnishings and medical, to automotive, industrial, recreational, military and public safety. The scope of AEC’s product offering has grown exponentially in knitted and woven, elastic and rigid narrow fabrics to support these industries.
May 2012 brought the announcement that AEC had acquired Telas Elasticas S.A.R.L. (TESA) located in Quimistán Honduras. With this manufacturing location AEC was able to expand its product line and development capabilities, positioning the Company as the most capable, full-range narrow fabrics producer in North and Central America. The TESA acquisition also infused AEC with new intellectual property expanding product development possibilities, jacquard weaving capabilities, the largest silicone coating operation in Central America and laboratories that support the most stringent quality assurance testing.
As AEC continually pursues new opportunities for growth, continued investments in technology and new product development for different markets plays a key role. AEC will stay at the forefront by introducing new attributes in narrow fabrics to provide the functionality, comfort, safety and service customers are seeking. Additional manufacturing and distribution in locations that serve global markets will continue to amplify AEC’s service excellence.
Team (1)
Sectors AEC serves:
Consumer Goods
Manufacturing
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