Joan Fabrics pulls plug on Massachusetts plant

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/24/2003 12:00:00 AM

Tyngsboro, MA — Joan Fabrics will close its Main Street Textiles "state of the art" fabrics manufacturing facility in Fall River, MA, by April 30, 2004.

The plant, more than 500,000 square feet, was constructed in 1999.

"Unfortunately, in spite of the large investment in property and equipment, our Fall River operations are the least competitive within our group of companies," said Elkin McCallum, chairman of Joan Fabrics, the largest decorative/upholstery fabric producer in the United States and parent of Main Street, Mastercraft, Home Fabrics, Circa 1880/Doblin and Joan Velvets.

The company will move weaving, finishing and distribution to company facilities in North Carolina and Mexico. Only the Main Street division fabrics are affected. Joan expects to complete the shift within 60 days.