Culp to shutter two of three remaining U.S. plants

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/15/2006 12:23:00 PM

High Point , N.C. -- Still working its way through restructuring as it shifts production off-shore, upholstery supplier Culp Inc. said it will close two more U.S. plants, eliminating 185 jobs.

As its Chinese manufacturing operation continues to grow, Culp said it will close a yarn facility in Lincolnton , N.C. and a weaving plant in Graham , N.C. The company's remaining U.S. upholstery operations will be consolidated into an existing plant in Anderson , S.C. , employing about 150 workers.

Rob Culp III, ceo, said, "We have made considerable progress in changing our product strategy, reducing our manufacturing complexities and improving our cost structure in the U.S. upholstery fabric business. At the same time, we have been diligently growing our China-produced business."

Culp said the closing will result in pre-tax charges of about $7.3 million, mostly in the form of non-cash items, to be divided between the third and fourth quarters.