Greenville, MS, May 12--British manufacturer Brintons US Axminster will close its Mississippi plant at the end of the year according to the Sun Herald.
The company told its 240 employees Monday that it would close the 17-acre facility, one of the oldest in the Delta. The company, through a news release, said it would downsize across the globe.
It recently sold its yarn mill in New Zealand and reduced its British-based work force.
Harry Reilly, group manager for Brintons LTD in Great Britain, told employees of the decision on Monday.
"This was a very difficult day for me and for Brintons," said Reilly. "This is not something I like to do."
Brintons was founded in 1783. The craftsmen who worked the mill made the carpets famous with rich colors and intricate patterns.
The Greenville plant, built in 1953, is a package dye plant. Brintons acquired it in 1998 and now plans to sell.
Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson was surprised and saddened by the announcement but said "we will do everything we can to get more industry into Greenville. This is a shock to the community but we will meet it head on and move forward."
She said she plans to talk further with company officials to "see if we can change their minds."
