May 19, 2013
American Apparel has officially opened its plant in Opp. The company's production is directly tied to events in the Middle East.
The hum of sewing machines is sweet music to the ears of American Apparel officials. The Selma-based company already has 100 employees at its new Opp plant. American Apparel manufactures military uniforms and under Congressional law, they must be made in the U.S. With the uncertainty in Iraq, orders are coming in at a breathtaking rate.
Opp Mayor Jerry Boothe said it's a unique situation. His town's economic outlook is tied to a possible war with Iraq.
Company officials said Opp and surrounding communities have a rich supply of skilled labor.
Next year, American Apparel plans to hire an additional 30 to 50 employees at the Opp plant.
