Unifi, Inc. & American Fibers and Yarns Enter into Textured Polypropylene Agreement

02/12/02- Unifi, Inc. (NYSE:UFI) and American Fibers and Yarns Company today announced that they have entered into an excllusive agreement designating Unifi as commissioned false twist texturizer of AF&Y polypropylene. Under the agreement, American Fibers and Yarns will supply Unifi with polypropylene feeder yarn, which Unifi will texturize and return to AF&Y for sales and distribution to the home furnishings and contact upholstery markets. In addition, AF&Y will supply polypropylene feeder yarn for Unifi to texturize and sell into many of Unifi's core markets.

The immediate impact of this agreement is a significant incerase in available capacity of high-quality false twist textured polypropylene to the marketplace. Mike Apperson, president of American Fibers and Yarns Company, said the agreement with Unifi will be beneficial to both companies and their customers. "This partnership with Unifi combines the technology, knowledge and experience of both companies to allow us to supply high quality textured polypropylene products to our customers," Apperson said. "American Fibers and Yarns is known for the quality and consistency of its polypropylene feeder yarn, and Unifi is known for its state-of-the-art texturing operations. We believe we can provide our customers with a competitive advantage as a result of this agreement."

The agreement supports Unifi's strategy of increasing its breadth and depth of product offerings to its diverse customer base. "Our ability to provide high quality, value-added products and superior service to a wide range of markets has been the key to our continuing strength and success," said Alf Webster, president of Unifi North America. "This agreement provides us with expanded access to a high growth fiber category with limited capital infusion."

American Fibers and Yarns Company, formerly Amoco Fibers, began operations in 1999 and is a premiere supplier of solution dyed filament yarns tailored for the automotive, apparel, contract, home furnishings and industrial markets. For more information about American Fibers and Yarns, please visit www.afyarns.com.

Unifi, Inc. is the largest producer and processor of textured yarns in the world. 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, automotive, upholstery, hosiery, and sewing thread. For more information about Unifi, please visit www.unifi-inc.com.