Mohawk To Close Alabama Yarn Facility

Talladega, AL, Dec. 3--Mohawk Industries Inc. will permanently close the company's Talladega yarn-manufacturing facility in January, leaving 125 of its employees looking for work, according to the Talladega Daily Home online. According to a press release from the company Tuesday, a "transitional phasedown will begin immediately as manufacturing equipment and product are relocated to other operations." The plant will continue to operate through the new year, and close its doors for good on Jan. 30, said Jerry Hendrix, human resources director of Mohawk's Yarn Division. The closure of the facility is more a matter of good economic decision making than a reflection of the performance of the plant itself, said Hendrix. "The closure of our facility in Talladega, Ala., in no way should be construed as a lack of performance on the part of our employees," Hendrix said. "The commitment and dedication this fine group of people have continually shown for this company stands as a testament to their work ethic." Plant manager Ken McGill said, for the most part, employees took the news pretty well. "I think we made a bad situation the best it could be," McGill said. "It's hard times, but we feel like everybody will weather the storm." Veteran employee Joyce Morris of Munford said she is optimistic about the future. "I've been walking that (factory) floor about 27 years," Morris said. "I'm no better than anyone else. When it's time to go, it's time to go. When that door shuts, God's going to open another one for me." Morris also said the news came as no surprise. Rumors had been circulating for weeks about the impending closure. Hendrix added, "The decision (to close the facility) was made some 30 to 45 days ago. Ultimately our CEO, Jeff Lorberbaum, made that decision." Hendrix said the company is doing everything it can to assist the employees at the Talladega facility. "The state of Alabama is coming in to assist us with their Rapid Response Team," Hendrix said. He said the team, among other things, can provide different types of vocational education to prepare employees for different work environments. Hendrix also said some of the employees at the Talladega plant may be able to relocate to operations in other states and that those with an interest in moving to another facility have been encouraged to contact their Talladega Human Resources department. Heidi Edwards, executive director of the Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce, said she would be working with Mohawk, local agencies and businesses to help find employment for the displaced mill workers. Edwards said she would be meeting with the board of directors as soon as possible to discuss options. Mohawk operates facilities throughout Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, and some of those facilities will take over the operations carried out in Talladega, Hendrix said. "Capitalizing on available space at other facilities affords the company the opportunity to further strengthen their competitiveness. "The company strives to provide value to its customers and consumers through cost-effective measures that improve efficiencies, reduce waste and focus on quality," the press release states.