In his 40-year career, William Lucas has seen nearly every step in the erosion of the American garment industry. As general manager of Eagle Sportswear, a company in Middlesex, N.C., that cuts, sews and assembles apparel, he hopes to keep what’s left of that industry intact. Mr. Lucas, 59, has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars training his workers to use more efficient techniques that come with financial bonuses to get employees to work faster. But he fears that his investments may be undermined by a U.S. trade rule.

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Persons: William Lucas, what’s, Lucas Organizations: Eagle Locations: Middlesex, N.C, U.S