Mohawk to Cease Operation of Georgia Dye Plant

Rome, GA, February 23, 2007--Mohawk Industries announced today it will end dyeing operations Monday at its 436 Lavender Drive plant, according to the Rome New-Tribune.

The newspaper quoted Jerry Hendrix, senior human resources director of Mohawk Residential Flooring, as saying that th emove comes as the result of investments in new dyeing technology at other location.

“The closure of the dyeing department in Rome in no way should be construed as a lack of performance on the part of our employees,” said Hendrix, adding that they are being offered comparable positions at other Mohawk locations. The plant employs about 25 people.

Mohawk has notified the city of Rome’s Water and Sewer Division. The plant uses 247 million gallons of water a year, said City Manager John Bennett. Last year the plant paid the city about $500,000 for water, he said.

The loss of Mohawk as a water customer could mean rates for city customers could rise, pending an upcoming water-rate study, city officials said. In Floyd County, Mohawk also operates facilities in Shannon and Armuchee.