Leigh Fibers adds cotton reprocessor to portfolio

Wellford, South Carolina-based Leigh Fibers has announced signing a letter of intent to acquire J.E. Herndon Company, Kings Mountain, North Carolina. That firm reprocesses textile fibers and byproducts primarily connected to the cotton industry. The acquisition of J.E. Herndon is expected to close in January 2018.

“We are excited to take this next strategic step in our growth journey through the acquisition of J.E. Herndon Company,” says Don Bockoven, president and CEO of Leigh Fibers and ICE Recycling. “This acquisition complements our overall service and product offerings while adding to our capacity and geographic presence.”

Leigh Fibers and ICE Recycling are part of Leigh Delaware Holdings, which describes itself as “a global leader in sustainable product engineering through manufactured, traded and reprocessed fibers and polymers.”

Comments Patrick Mullen, president and owner of J.E. Herndon Company, “Consumers, industry, and governments worldwide are clear in their demand for sustainable solutions for all of their fiber-based products. Leigh’s commitment to be the leader in this space provides the ideal environment through which J.E. Herndon Company can best leverage its dedicated workforce and recycling capabilities in the sourcing, conversio, and marketing of cotton and other sustainable fibers.”

The acquisition of J.E. Herndon Company follows Leigh Fibers’ 2014 acquisition of Lake City, South Carolina-based ICE Recycling. That business unit specializes in consulting focused on zero-waste-to-landfill and recycling programs. ICE Recycling has worked with clients in several industry sectors, including food and beverage and industrial manufacturing.