— Furniture Today,
STANLEYTOWN, Va. — Stanley Furniture said Tuesday it will

lay off about 200 of the 450 hourly and management employees at its Robbinsville, N.C., plant because of slowing sales.

“The industrywide slowdown that has led to lower sales requires us to balance production and staffing levels throughout our four facilities,” said Jeff Scheffer, chairman, president and CEO of the case goods producer. “We sincerely regret the impact on some of our Robbinsville associates. However, this difficult decision is necessary to better align our staffing levels and work schedules with current business conditions.”

The company said it will work with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission to provide career counseling and job search assistance. Stanley also plans to apply for federal Trade Adjustment Assistance under the Trade Act, which may allow affected employees to receive extended income support and allowances for training, job search and relocation.