WestPoint Stevens to close two plants, lose 550 jobs

<p>WestPoint Stevens Inc., one of the nations largest makers of sheets, pillow cases and towels, will close two plants in the middle Georgia town of LaGrange, a loss of 550 jobs.</p><p>The plants will shut down March 9. The state Department of Labor made the announcement Friday.</p><p>The plant closures at WestPoint Stevens create a difficult situation for the workers and their families and for the LaGrange and Troup County communities, labor commissioner Michael Thurmond said. I want them to know that they are not along in dealing with the problem. We are prepared to assist them.</p><p>The company, which was founded almost 200 years ago, filed for bankruptcy last year.</p>