EDEN, N.C. (WXII) – WXII 12 reports that about 85 news jobs are coming to Eden, courtesy of a $17 million expansion by Gildan.

The expansion follows Gildan Yarns’ purchase of a former yarn spinning plant to add to its existing operation in Eden.

Gildan Activewear, the parent company of Gildan Yarns, is Eden’s largest private employer and Rockingham County’s second largest industrial employer. The company currently has about 500 workers in Eden and has been in operation in the city since 2000.

Last month, Gildan Activewear purchased a former yarn spinning plant from the city of Eden and Rockingham County. Gildan Activewear has a large distribution facility on Meadow Road in Eden. The company’s future yarn spinning plant will be located nearby, on Summit Road.

The new jobs will have an average salary of just over $37,000.