Jobst is one the of largest and best known compression hosiery brands in the United States. We were caught by surprise to learn that, in a cost-cutting measure, all US production is being moved to Reynosa, Mexico. The BSN Jobst facility in Rutherford College, NC is now in the process of being closed. We’ve been assured by Jobst that the quality of their stockings will remain the same. They will be knit on the same machines, with the same fibers, just in a location wi
th cheaper labor.
The Jobst move will have a profound impact in that North Carolina region’s economy.
The Morganton, NC News Herald quotes Rutherford College Town Manager Kenneth B. Geathers Jr. as saying, “A bigger issue is the effect it will have on the town’s human capital. The field of manufacturing has gradually been dissolving before our eyes. If you built a life here in Burke County and you were an employee of BSN, you’ve got to start all over.”
Speaking on behalf of BSN Medical (the parent company) Ann Maitland, group director of global operations said “I regret these developments for our plant here in Rutherford College, but out of a business perspective this decision was indispensable to secure the long-term success of our company. We want to thank all colleagues for their contribution to BSN and wish them the best for their future.”
BrightLife Direct salutes our other suppliers who have chosen to keep manufacturing in the USA, providing the kinds of jobs that are necessary to maintain the strong communities in which they are located. Sigvaris is made in Georgia. Mediven, Therafirm and Allegro (our private label brand) are made in North Carolina. Juzo is made in Ohio. LympheDivas are knit in North Carolina and printed & pressed in Massachusetts. Thanks guys!
Thanks for letting us know about this. It will impact our future buying decisions. Our hearts go out to the employees an their families impacted by this decision.
[…] Compression hosiery brand Jobst began closing its facility at Rutherford College in 2015 in preparation for moving its U.S. production down to Mexico. Roughly […]
Unfortunately, the new stockings are dreadful. They have nothing to do with the original ones made in the US. Different fiber, different feel, and no compression. Their cost-cutting measures have ruined their product.
you mean you are censoring my comments??
Are you kidding?
Hi M – We’re not censoring! There’s just an approval process for comments to make sure the blog doesn’t get filled with link spam. We’re always happy to hear customer thoughts (good and bad!). We posted this news about Jobst last year so that everyone could be aware of the change. I’m sorry to hear that you find the quality is slipping. Other great brands remain in the USA – you might want to try Sigvaris (made in Georgia) or Juzo (made in Ohio).