Mohawk Shuttering Two Yarn Plants in GA, SC

Calhoun, GA, Sept. 30, 2008-Mohawk Industries will close synthetic carpet yarn plants in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. and Dillon, S.C. in the next 60 days.

The Georgia plant announced today that it will close its doors by Nov. 28.

“These plant closings are a classic example of how changing consumer preferences impact a manufacturing company during a prolonged economic downturn,” said Jerry Hendrix, senior human resources director for Mohawk’s flooring division.

“Companies have no choice other than to respond to these changes. My heart goes out to the men and women at both of these locations and to all of the American employees facing similar situations.”

In a press release, State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees who are expected to lose their jobs.

“The layoff at Mohawk Industries in Fort Oglethorpe will create an unfortunate situation for the workers and their families,” said Thurmond. “Georgia Department of Labor staff will meet with them as soon as possible to explain the services available to help them get back to work as quickly as possible.”

Just two years ago, Mohawk officially celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art extrusion and yarn mills in Dillon at a ceremony attended March 15, 2006, by Gov. Mark Sanford and Mohawk CEO Jeff Lorberbaum.

The expansion, which began in 2004, culminated in the opening of the Oak River North Site, representing 300 new jobs and a $70 million investment in Bennettsville.