WestPoint Stevens (OTC Bulletin Board: WSPT) (www.westpointstevens.com ) announced today that the Company will permanently close the remainder of its Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Rosemary Complex as it adjusts its business plan to address current economic projections.
Preparations for shutting down the facility will get under way in early May to meet a projected closing date of June 28. Ultimately, some 320 Rosemary associates will be affected.
''The Company has decided that this plant will not be converted to produce Basic Bedding product as previously announced,'' said Basic Bedding Division President Art Birkins. ''Recent capital investments in our existing Basic Bedding plants have provided us with a dramatic increase in efficiency and yield — all the capacity we require for both our immediate and long-term growth. To stay competitive in a market that's increasingly global, it's necessary to constantly scrutinize our operations to eliminate any excess capacity.''
WestPoint Stevens acquired the facilities in 1997 for additional towel capacity, then closed Rosemary Greige Plant in early 2001 in a move to consolidate greige manufacturing in locations that provided the most efficient workflow. The workforce at the remaining Rosemary Finishing and Fabricating plants, as well as Rosemary Distribution Center, was reduced by some 125 shortly after.
WestPoint Stevens Inc. is the nation's premier home fashions consumer products marketing company, with a wide range of bed linens, towels, blankets, comforters and accessories marketed under the well-known brand names GRAND PATRICIAN, PATRICIAN, MARTEX, ATELIER MARTEX, BABY MARTEX, UTICA, STEVENS, LADY PEPPERELL, SEDUCTION, VELLUX and CHATHAM — all registered trademarks owned by WestPoint Stevens Inc. and its subsidiaries — and under licensed brands including RALPH LAUREN HOME, DISNEY HOME, GLYNDA TURLEY and SIMMONS BEAUTYREST. WestPoint Stevens is also a manufacturer of the MARTHA STEWART and JOE BOXER bed and bath lines. WestPoint Stevens can be found on the World Wide Web at www.westpointstevens.com .
Contact:
Toni M. Cauble
Vice President – Corporate Communications
706.645.4879
