FORT MILL, S.C. -- Springs Global announced today it will start phasing out towel manufacturing and distribution operations at the Griffin, Ga facility and transfer production to Brazil. The phase out will begin around February 28, 2009 and be completed within 45 days.

The announcement affects 365 associates at the Griffin facility located at 349 Railroad Avenue, Griffin, Ga.

“This decision in no way reflects negatively on our associates in Griffin, who have done an outstanding job improving quality and productivity,” said Keith Brown, Springs Global general manager of operations for towels. “Given their performance, it is even more regrettable that we have to make this announcement.”

After several attempts to contact the Georgia Department of Labor, Springs Human Resource manager in Griffin, and Springs Global US, Inc., it is unknown how many citizens of Upson County are going to be affected by the plant closure.

We will continue to follow the story and update the citizens of Upson County as soon as new information regarding the closure becomes available.

Springs will offer affected employees severance pay and has applied for federal trade adjustment benefits. The company will also work with local officials to identify employers who need outstanding workers.

Springs Global US, Inc., is the leading home furnishings supplier to major retailers throughout North America and is a subsidiary of Springs Global Participacoes S.A., which is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of textile home furnishings.