Furniture Today,
Will have 3 plants left

MAIDEN, N.C. — Fabric supplier Carolina Mills will close two of its remaining five North Carolina plants, citing competition from imports.

The company sold its upholstery fabric business to the Chatham division of Interface Fabrics in 2001, but continued to operate a commission dye and finishing plant in Valdese that handled upholstery fabric as well as apparel and industrial fabrics.

That plant will close in April, and a weaving plant in Newton will shut down in May.

“It’s clear that the continuing flood of low-priced imported products and skyrocketing fuel costs have irreparably damaged the domestic customer base for our woven fabrics and fabric dyeing and finishing services,” said President and CEO Steve Dobbins.

He said the company will concentrate on its domestic and international yarn business, and will pursue opportunities outside the textile industry.

In 2000, Carolina Mills employed 2,600 people at 17 plants. After May 31, it will employ about 400 people at three plants, in Maiden, Lincolnton and Statesville, in addition to its home office in Maiden.