Springs Weaving to Brazil

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/19/2006 12:00:00 AM

Fort Mill, S.C. —

Springs Global US plans to transfer what's left of its U.S. weaving operations to the company's facilities in South America by early 2007.

The move falls in line with the corporate structure announced following Springs Industries' merger with Brazilian textiles giant Coteminas in a deal that closed this past January. Brazil will focus on manufacturing and the U.S. arm of Springs Global on sales and marketing.

The announcement affects approximately 700 employees at Katherine Plant in Chester, S.C., and 60 people at Frances Plant in Fort Lawn, S.C. The Frances Plant will close Dec. 1, which is consistent with the schedule announced when the facility was temporarily restarted three months ago. Katherine Plant equipment will be transferred in phases beginning in September. The process is scheduled to be completed in February 2007.

In a message to employees, Springs Global co-chairmen Crandall Bowles and Josué Gomes da Silva said, “The actions we are announcing today reflect both the positive and negative impacts of adapting to the current highly competitive industry environment.”