Russell Corp. plans to close a plant in Alexander City, AL. More than 400 workers at a plant learned last week that they will be losing their jobs when the plant closes later in the year. Some of the 425 employees will be let go as early as March 12 and all will be gone on or before Oct. 31.
Russell, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway last year, released a statement last week saying closing the cutting and finishing Plant No. 10 was part of the company's efforts to compete with textile and apparel imports from China and the Far East.
“With each offshore endeavor they have gradually cut their employees,” Mayor Barbara Young told The Opelika-Auburn News in a story for Friday's editions. “At one time they employed approximately 7,000 people. They are still our largest employer. They'll employ about 2,000 people after this plant closes.”
Employees learned in letters distributed by officials that severance packages will be offered to all workers who are not absorbed by other company operations, according to the Associated Press. Russell Corp.
