BASSETT, Va. — Bassett Furniture Industries says it is closing its wood manufacturing facility due to higher


demand for imported products, putting 280 employees out of work.

The closure of the 323,000 square-foot plant is planned to begin over the next 60 to 90 days. The company says it plans to obtain most of the products currently produced at the plant from overseas suppliers.

Robert Spilman is the president and chief executive officer of the company. He says the move is a needed step in the company’s transition to a broader furnishings market.

Bassett will continue to employ about 1,500 people in its facilities in Virginia and North Carolina.