Calhoun, Ga.-based floor covering manufacturer Mohawk Industries Inc. has announced plans to shutter its spun yarn facility in Laurel Hill, N.C., citing decreasing demand in the carpet industry for spun yarn and increasing demand for products manufactured with filament yarn. Mohawk reports the closing is necessary to realign production with evolving demand. The company has begun phasing out operations and will close the plant on Aug. 22, 2011, eliminating 197 jobs.

"We respect and appreciate the people at Laurel Hill, many of whom have been here for decades," said Jerry Hendrix, senior human resources director, Mohawk. "We hope to welcome them into new roles as openings become available at other Mohawk facilities. During the weeks ahead, we will review job openings with the employees, and, of course, we'll work with North Carolina's Department of Labor to identify other available opportunities in the area."

July 5, 2011