GREENSBORO, N.C. — September 3, 2026 — Cone Denim, a global denim innovator, today announced strategic transformation plans designed to better serve the global denim fabric market. The plans include strengthening Cone Denim’s focus on its established manufacturing platform in Mexico and the planned exit of denim manufacturing operations in China by year-end 2026. This repositioning follows a comprehensive review of the global denim market, Cone’s manufacturing footprint, customer sourcing needs, and long-term business strategy.
The decision follows careful consideration of economic, market, and geopolitical factors that have increasingly affected the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of operating denim manufacturing in China. Changing global trade dynamics, evolving customer sourcing strategies, cost pressures, supply chain considerations, and broader geopolitical developments all contributed to this determination.
“We are positioning Cone Denim for its next chapter of success, with a clear priority to continue delivering for our customers with the quality, innovation, reliability, and service that have defined Cone Denim for generations,” said Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim. “Closing the China facility was a difficult but necessary decision as we position Cone Denim for long-term competitiveness in a changing global market. While this marks a significant change in our manufacturing network, our commitment to serving customers remains unchanged, and we are committed to supporting our customers, employees, suppliers, and local stakeholders through this transition with transparency, care, and disciplined execution.”
“At Elevate Textiles, we are focused on executing our strategy—winning in the marketplace for our customers, taking care of our employees, and generating returns for our investors,” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, Elevate CEO and Member of the Board. “Transforming Cone Denim to meet our strategic objectives, including the planned exit from denim manufacturing operations in China, is an important step in sharpening Cone Denim’s focus on the markets, capabilities, and manufacturing platforms where it is best positioned to compete and win. By supporting customers through this transition and strengthening our established Mexico platform, we are building a more focused, resilient Cone Denim business for the future.”
Cone Denim will work closely with customers to support a smooth transition, continuity of short-term fabric supply, and planning for future sourcing needs. Company teams will engage directly with customers to understand requirements, support existing commitments, and provide transition information as it becomes available.
To support ongoing demand, Cone Denim will continue to focus on its established manufacturing operations in Mexico as the company’s go-forward denim manufacturing platform. The Mexico platform provides a strong foundation for serving customers across key markets and will play an important role in maintaining the quality, innovation, responsiveness, and service levels customers expect.
Maggard added, “We are grateful for the dedication of our employees and the continued partnership of our customers, suppliers, and local stakeholders who have supported our China operations over the years. We remain committed to treating our employees with respect, working constructively with local stakeholders, and managing this transition responsibly while strengthening Cone Denim’s platform for the future.”
Posted: September 3, 2026
Source: Elevate Textiles