WestPoint Stevens announced today that it will implement a layoff at its Lanier Plant, Valley, Ala., curtailing operations there as the Company aligns its capacity with other WestPoint Stevens facilities better equipped to produce the sheeting styles currently in demand.
The layoff will affect approximately 300 Lanier associates, who will be placed on leave of absence or, where possible, offered employment at other WestPoint Stevens facilities in the area as the Company decides on a future course for the Lanier facility.
''Today's intense global competition forces us to be very proactive in focusing our manufacturing on the most cost-efficient production of the styles most in demand,'' said Vice President, Bed Products Manufacturing Robert R. (Bobby) Lanier.
''Lanier Plant is an excellent facility that can possibly be well-used for other purposes,'' Lanier explained, ''but unfortunately it is equipped to run styles that are no longer in demand. With the more modern machinery that we have at other facilities, it makes the most sense to focus our capacity on these plants.''
Lanier Plant, opened in 1967, is one of two plants under the same roof. Its sister plant, Carter, was converted from sheeting to towel production in 2002.
