Shaw Industries Valley Head, Ala., plant will shutter its doors by July, idling 183 workers in the small DeKalb County town about 40 miles south of Chattanooga.
DeKalb County Economic Development Authority executive director Jimmy Durham confirmed this afternoon that plant officials met with city and county officials this week on the closure.
Durham said shuttering of Shaw plant 14 was no surprise.
"About a year-and-a-half ago they terminated 160 in a reduction of force move," Durham said Wednesday. "We saw this coming."
Durham said the Valley Head plant made a type of yarn the industry doesn't use much anymore.
"They made what they called 'spun' yarn here," Durham said. "Most yarn is filament and that was one of the reasons for closing this plant."
Durham said development authority will work with displaced Shaw workers and in the future hold some job fairs to help those who need assistance finding new jobs.
Some workers might be able to go to work at Shaw's plant in Adairsville, Ga., he said.
"We want to thank the associates of Plant 14 for their years of service and passion to supply our customers with exceptional quality products," said Al Scruggs, director of human resources for Shaw's manufacturing and distribution divisions.
"As we engage in the consolidation process, jobs will be available at other Shaw facilities," Scruggs said. "Shaw's human resources team will assist associates with internal job opportunities and provide out-placement option."
Stay with the Times Free Press for more on this developing story.
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