How Do Those Jerseys Get So Clean?

Courtesy of Christeyns North America

In Greenville-Pitt County, North Carolina, a quiet yet powerful success story has unfolded over more than six decades. 

Christeyns North America began in 1958 as a small family-owned business producing detergent for commercial laundries. Today, it stands as a trusted name in professional hygiene and textile care, with products that keep everything from hospital linens to collegiate and professional athletic uniforms fresh and clean. 

A Storied Legacy in Greenville, NC

Greenville is where Christeyns North America’s story began. The company’s predecessor, UNX Industries, was founded by an entrepreneur who saw potential in the region’s workforce and strong sense of community. “The company’s roots in Greenville run deep,” CEO Josh Lilley says. “Our original owner chose to start the business here in 1958, and the community and employees meant so much to him and his family.” 

That loyalty and connection remain part of the company’s culture today. The decision in 2022 to partner with Christeyns, a global cleaning solutions company based in Belgium, gave the Greenville operation access to international research and sustainability expertise while maintaining its hometown character. 

“The rebrand was a strategic decision that goes far beyond a name change,” Lilley says. “Becoming Christeyns North America reflects our alignment with a worldwide organization and reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability.” 

Courtesy of Christeyns North America

A Trusted Name in Jerseys

What started as a regional detergent supplier is now a brand recognized by athletic programs nationwide. There are dozens of teams and programs that rely on Christeyns North America products each season. In addition to the ECU Pirates, cleaning systems are used by teams as wide-ranging as the University of North Carolina, the Savannah Bananas and even the New England Patriots. That trust, according to Lilley, is the result of long-term relationships built on consistent results. 

“Our secret sauce really comes from the way we partner with customers,” Lilley says. “We don’t just sell products; we work alongside our customers to help improve their businesses through better performance, efficiency and sustainability.” 

Beyond sports, Christeyns also serves industries ranging from hospitality to health care, always with an emphasis on results. “Behind the scenes, we’re constantly innovating,” Lilley says, noting that the company’s work connects directly to measurable improvements in cost savings, fabric longevity and resource efficiency. 

Choosing Greenville to Do Business

Even as Christeyns North America’s reach expands across North America, the Emerald City remains at its center. The company recently announced plans for a state-of-the-art facility that will combine corporate, manufacturing, research and development operations under one roof, strengthening collaboration and setting the stage for continued growth. 

“Greenville offers plenty of logistical advantages for manufacturing, but its greatest strength is the people,” he says. “We’re fortunate to be close to a pipeline of talented young professionals while also being part of a community that’s a great place to raise a family.” 

That balance between opportunity and quality of life has helped the company retain employees and find new talent. The area’s strong partnerships have also made Greenville an ideal base for sustainable expansion. 

Continued Growth in Pitt County

Inside Christeyns North America, the company’s culture reflects its approach to innovation – forward-looking and people-focused. “We have a value statement that says, ‘We’ll never arrive; we’re always becoming,’” Lilley says. 

He believes that mindset helps the Christeyns team stay humble yet ambitious, always looking for ways to improve the company’s offerings. The upcoming facility will give employees a shared space to collaborate, experiment and grow. 

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Christeyns North America family,” Lilley says. “Our new home will strengthen communication and unity while creating new opportunities for both current and future team members.” 

As Christeyns North America charts its future, Greenville will remain central to its plans. “We foresee Greenville as the long-term North American headquarters for Christeyns,” Lilley says. “It will be a hub for our growth, innovation and collaboration.” 

Bonus News: Japanese Company Chooses Pitt County 

Japan-based medical device manufacturing giant Nipro Medical was founded in 1954 and now has 58 production subsidiaries worldwide. Soon, the Osaka-based company will have one in the United States as well. 

Nipro broke ground in 2025 on its first-ever North American facility, which is being built in Greenville. Hiring is expected to begin in 2026, with production starting in 2027. 

The $398 million plant will manufacture medical devices, such as dialyzers and precision needles, to treat patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other kidney issues. 

Nipro officials say they wanted their plant to be in North Carolina because of the state’s strong STEM education reputation as well as its favorable distribution location. 

“This new facility marks a major milestone in Nipro’s commitment to the U.S. market,” stated Nipro Medical CEO Akira Shimizu in a news release. “It allows us to deliver high-quality medical devices that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life across the country.” 

The 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will create 232 jobs over five years, with employment positions in administrative, production, engineering and management roles. In addition to focusing on manufacturing, the facility will include a customer service center and medical training center for health care providers. 

– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.