STOKESDALE — A High Point-based manufacturer is bringing jobs to an area of Guilford County hit hard in the economic downturn.

State and local grants are supporting the expansion of Culp Inc. in Stokesdale. The company creates mattress and upholstery fabrics and now it's starting to develop mattress covers for specialty beds. The move will add nearly 130 new sewing and cutting jobs with an investment of up to $1 million in the Stokesdale area around mid-September.

"There is a movement back to the United States within the textile industry, to produce things here, to make things here and we feel like our part of the business has never really left," said Culp Inc. spokesperson Jeff Veach.

And better service to area businesses struggling after losing its key customers.

"Our lunch and breakfast will pick up tremendously with people going to work and leaving work, lunch break and all that," said Sheena Rumley with Parker's Restaurant

Company officials say the jobs will have a salary of around $25,000 plus benefits. Culp Inc. is currently accepting applications.