R Twining and Co., located at 2812 Twining Road, can be seen on the east side of Highway 421, just south of Greensboro. According to a business information website, Twinings manufactures tea, food, beverage and tobacco products. We stopped by the day after New Year's and the gates were closed so we didn't get inside for an interview. We're curious as to whether they are related to the Twinings Tea that got its start in England in 1706. If you know about the business, post something in the comment section.
In the meantime, we're sharing this with Skywatch Friday. Here's to the bright white building perched high on "Twining Hill" south of Greensboro. When we see scenes like this one, we are reminded that Greensboro is not completely flat. Have a great weekend everyone!
It appears their gates are closed for good. http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=39218
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Yes, it was the same English company. I used to know a taster there, quite an interesting guy!
Posted by: Jack Hart | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Yes, it's from the same English company. My husband worked there in the mid-80's. They offered to send him to England, which, sadly we declined, but would've been great since he was born there, and is still a British Subject. didn't realize they were closing, according to the article above. I still buy and use Twinning tea where-ever it's sold. Love their packaging, it unique.
Posted by: Dianne Swayne | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Greensboro was only the start of a factory rationalisation program. At the same time as Greensboro they closed a plant in France. They then built a large factory in Shanghai.
Last year they closed their productive and award winning plant in North Shields, UK and built a new facility in Poland to serve European markets. This just leaves one UK facility in Andover, Hampshire producing tea for the UK market.
The bulk of the tea sold in non UK markets is now produced in Shanghai or Poland. Twinings claim these moves are to take production closer to the markets they supply however cynics might say it is more to do with lower labour costs in China and Poland.
Posted by: Julian Wellings | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 03:23 PM
Thanks to all of you who are reading diligently and able to fill in the gaps of our knowledge. Involvement from readers is MOST appreciated. We learned a lot today. Sadly, the tea bags have left the city.
Posted by: Janis | Friday, January 06, 2012 at 07:15 PM