Furniture Factory to Close in Virginia, Eliminating 200 Jobs

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Researched by Industrial Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Furniture Brand International (NYSE:FBN) (St. Louis, Missouri), which is recognized as one of the top producers of residential and commercial furniture, is closing its plant in Appomattox, Virginia, which services the Thomasville brand. About 200 jobs will be eliminated.

The plant specializes in ready-to-assemble furniture, serving the hospitality industry and major hotel chains. Unfortunately, the market for this product has slowed immensely, and company officials believe closing the plant will help reduce costs and broaden its network of suppliers. The factory is scheduled to close by March 2011. Plant operations and production will move to factories in North Carolina and Latin America.

Ashley Furniture Industries have express interest for the Appomattox factory, as it is researching locations for a new manufacturing and distribution center. Recently, Ashley's executive team toured the Virginia factory, saying the project would create about 1,000 jobs if the facility is selected. Virginia is one of three potential locations that are under consideration by Ashley Furniture Industries.

Furniture Brand International has other well-known brands, such as Broyhill and Lane.

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