Perry Manufacturing of Mt. Airy, NC has been announced on Feb. 6, 2008. At one time Perry employed 4000 people.

Most of the local jobs in textile have been moving off shore. Surry County, NC has lost 1600 jobs in 16 months. Other companies that have laid off people include Gildan Activewear, Inc., Spencer's Inc., Renfro Corp. and Cross Creek Apparrel isncie early 2007. December's unemployment rate in Surry County was at its highest level in 3 years, at 6.1%.