Carolina Mills to close 2 N.C. plants

[BR_Parkway]

The Associated Press
Carolina Mills, citing competition from imports, said it will close plants in Valdese and Newton.

The Valdese plant, a commission dye-and-finishing facility for apparel, industrial and upholstery fabrics, employs 136 people. The Newton plant, with 87 employees, makes woven fabrics for commercial, industrial and apparel products.

In 2000, Carolina Mills employed 2,600 people at 17 plants. After May 31, it will employ 400 people at plants in Maiden, Lincolnton and Statesville.

http://www.newsobserver.com/126/story/413493.html