The mills in Newton and Rocky Mount have a combined 290 workers. Pillowtex officials said the shutdowns are in response to the fiercely competitive home textiles industry and comes with the firm planning to sell its blanket division. However, we must assure the longevity of our overall business by taking steps that will allow us to service our customers more effectively and, in turn, maintain the company's viability. Pillowtex operates one factory on Front Avenue in Columbus and another off Brickyard Road in Phenix City. Workers here spin, dye and finish cotton yarn before cutting and sewing it into towels.
Sources say the local operations have been cutting back on production to reduce inventory.
That's something chief operating officer Tony Williams said was critical to keeping the company afloat after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last fall. Since the bankruptcy filing, the company has shut down several factories and cut its work force from about 14,000 people to 12,000 in the United States and Canada. The Newton plant, which employs 110 management and hourly workers, has been a part of the firm since 1995. The Rocky Mount facility, owned by the company since 1987, has 180 employees and produces bedding for the Ralph Lauren brand. The Ralph Lauren contract expires June 30, Haase said.