Levin Lynch, general manager of McColl Gin Co., Bennettsville, SC, past president of the National Cotton Ginners Association and past chair of the Southeastern Cotton Ginners Associates, has joined Barnhardt Natural Fibers Group as account manager for Purified Cotton.

“Levin knows cotton,” says Lewis Barnhardt, president and COO of Barnhardt. “He’s a fifth generation ginner with more than 18 years experience in the industry, and he’s gone way beyond that by becoming intricately involved in leadership roles in both the Southeastern and National Ginners associations. He’s passionate about cotton—it’s in his blood like it’s in ours—and we’re excited to have him join us.”

George Hargrove, vice president of sales and marketing for Barnhardt, says as account manager Lynch will be an integral member of the Natural Fibers Group. “Levin is an ideal addition to our Purified Cotton team. We’ve worked with him for many years. He understands the value we add by purifying cotton and the quality of the line of Purified Cotton fibers we offer, and he understands our intense focus on safety, quality and purity. As Lewis said, Levin shares our passion and commitment and will hit the ground running.”

Lynch says his entire career has been an amazing opportunity to be involved first in his family’s farm growing cotton, then as GM of the ginning business. “Coming to Barnhardt just seems like the logical next step in my professional development. I certainly wouldn’t have left the ginning business for anyone else. I’ve worked with Lewis and George for years and I know how professional and progressive the company truly is. They are way ahead of the wave with their ultra-purification process, their cotton fiber products, their marketing and their finished consumer products. I feel it’s the perfect time to join Barnhardt as consumer packaged goods companies and converters are faced with increased demand pressure from retailers, who are being pressured by consumers for products made with natural, truly safe fiber. Barnhardt Purified Cotton should be the obvious choice. I expect to be awfully busy over the next few years helping fulfill that increasing demand.”