Dalton, Ga.-based carpet manufacturer Beaulieu of America Inc. has announced it will shutter three plants as a result of decreased carpet demand. Affected facilities include its Riverbend and Dalton Model plants in Dalton, both of which produce tufted and finished carpet; and its yarn processing facility in Eufala, Ala. In all, approximately 510 employees will be impacted.

Production at the Riverbend plant - which has been operating since 1988 and employs 170 people - and the Dalton Model plant - which has been operating since 1989 and employs approximately 150 people - will cease by year's end and be transferred to other carpet facilities. Production at the Eufala plant, which has been operating since 1998 and employs 190 people, will cease within the next 60 days and be transferred to other locations closer to the company's carpet facilities in Dalton, Ga.

According to Beaulieu President and CEO Ralph Boe, the company will make an effort to offer the affected associates jobs at other Beaulieu locations. Most of the Riverbend jobs will be transferred with production.

"It's very important that people don't read anything into all these recent events," Boe said. "These moves were necessary to adjust capacity with market demand. Beaulieu now enters 2012 well positioned. We announced securing a $230 million loan refinance in October and we're showing strong performance in several areas."

November 22, 2011