Sporting goods plant in Alabama to close, leaving nearly 200 workers without jobs

June 14, 2013 at 4:51PM

WETUMPKA, Ala. — Executives with sporting goods and apparel maker Russell Brands LLC say they will close a distribution plant in Wetumpka by the end of the year, leaving nearly 200 workers without jobs.

The Bowling Green, Ky.-based company this week announced the permanent closure of the Alabama plant, which distributes Spalding equipment such as footballs and basketballs. Company officials said in a statement that the decision is the result of "continued consolidation efforts by the company to remain competitive in a global competitive market."

The phase-down for the plant is expected to begin at the end of July and be completed by the end of the year, The Montgomery Advertiser reported (http://on.mgmadv.com/18Gj25g ).

John Shivel, senior vice president of corporate communications for Fruit of the Loom, said 191 workers will be affected by the closing. He said since it is a permanent closure, the positions are not transferable, but employees could apply for any openings within the organization.

"This decision is in no way a reflection on the dedication and efforts of our associates in our Coosa River operation," Bill Tucker, senior vice president of distribution, said in the release. "This reflects our ongoing efforts to consolidate and streamline operations."

The company announced last month its Alexander City plant also will be closing.

Separately, a medical manufacturing firm has announced that it will close its Montgomery plant less than three years after starting production here.

Hausted Patient Handling Systems LLC, which builds medical beds at its plant on Midpark Road in Montgomery, has been purchased by Graham Field Health Products Inc. Hausted told workers Friday that the plant will close June 30, the Montgomery newspaper reported.

Hausted President and CFO Leon Allison said 39 people work for the company in Montgomery, and that negotiations are under way to determine how many of them will be retained.

Hausted production will move to Wisconsin, and the brand will be managed by GF Health Products subsidiary Basic American Medical Products.

about the writer

about the writer