BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL HONORS GREENSBORO COMPANY
FOR EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development Linda Conlin today presented Brian Parke, CEO of Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi, Inc., with the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award. The award recognizes the company's export excellence and use of the Commerce Department's services to dramatically increase export sales and open new international markets.

"Congratulations to Unifi on its exporting successes," Conlin said. "The Bush Administration is committed to helping U.S. firms access new markets. When U.S. firms increase their exports, they help build a stronger American economy and increase global economic prosperity."

Unifi was presented the Export Achievement Award for their use of the Caribbean Basin Initiative, an initiative that allows U.S.-made fibers and yarns to be transported to participating Caribbean Basin countries to be manufactured and then returned to the United States tariff-free. Unifi's fiscal year 2002 export volume to participating Caribbean Basin countries grew by 112 percent compared to fiscal 2001. Their year-to-date fiscal year 2003 volume is already 165 percent ahead of last year.

The company also took an industry-wide leadership stance in promoting the benefits of the Caribbean Basin region through the distribution of its CBI Source Kit and the hosting of several "Leveraging the CBI" seminars. Unifi has worked closely with the Commerce Department's Office of Textiles and Apparel Market Expansion Division to collaborate on industry events and potential trade missions.

"The future of the domestic textile industry depends on taking full advantage of favorable trade legislation, and we are pleased that our efforts and success have been recognized by the Department of Commerce," said Brian Parke, CEO for Unifi. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Bush Administration to create an enhanced climate for success that will allow domestic textile manufacturers to compete, grow and prosper."

Unifi Inc. is one of the world's largest producers and processors of textured yarns. The company's primary business is the texturing, dyeing, twisting, covering, and beaming of multi-filament polyester and nylon yarns. Unifi's textured yarns are found in home furnishings, apparel and industrial fabrics, home and automotive upholstery, hosiery, and sewing thread. For more information about Unifi, visit www.unifi-inc.com.

The Commerce Department's Export Achievement Certificate recognizes export business clients of the Department's Commercial Service that have used its services to make their first export sale, open new foreign markets, or help local businesses grow through trade.

The Office of Trade Development (TD) at the U.S. Department of Commerce offers U.S. businesses resources and services for all stages of the exporting process. With industry-focused experts to provide strategic research and analysis, TD helps small and large U.S. businesses access the global marketplace. TD also administers 1-800-USA-TRADE, a nationwide hotline available to companies seeking government export assistance and counseling.