Springs Global US Inc., Fort Mill, S.C., a subsidiary of Brazil-based Springs Global Participações S.A., announced plans to close its bedding manufacturing and distribution facility in Piedmont, Ala., and consolidate production at its bedding plant in Mexico. The shutdown, expected to be complete by the end of April, will affect 325 associates in Piedmont.

According to Roland E. Myers, senior vice president – Human Resources, the Piedmont plant produces comforters for Springs Global’s Bedding Division. Myers said that following the closure, Springs will continue to operate six manufacturing facilities in the United States including three pillow, one towel, one rug and one yarn plant.

The affected associates will be eligible for severance pay. The company has applied for federal trade adjustment benefits and also will endeavor to help find new local employment opportunities for those impacted by the decision.

January 8, 2008