Greenville-based John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels Inc. (HOW) -- a designer, manufacturer, servicer and tester of textile equipment -- will close operations on December 31, 2009. President and COO William E. Henderson cited the continued decline of the US textile industry in announcing the closing, which will impact 190 people. Employees will receive severance pay and career transition assistance.

"This is a difficult day for the HOW family," Henderson said. "We have a dedicated group of employees and many have been here for a very long time. This decision to close is not reflective of their capabilities. It's simply a result of the disappearance of so many of our good textile industry customers that has resulted in a decreased demand for textile machinery products in the United States. We will do everything we can to make this transition as smooth as possible."

Pinckney C. Hollingsworth founded HOW in the late 1800s, beginning as a one-man operation with a mule-drawn wagon machine shop on wheels that traveled to Carolina cotton mills to repair textile machinery. Hollingsworth's son, John D. Sr., continued the business, followed by his son, John D. Jr.

Henderson reports that HOW is in the process of closing its four subsidiaries located in Norwood, Mass.; Sylacauga, Ala.; Terrell, Texas; and Quebec.

November 3, 2009