LINCOLNTON, N.C. — It was once one of the largest manufacturers of knitted fabrics in the country, but on Wednesday leaders of Mohican Mills announced the company will be closing in two months.
Mohican Mills has served as a staple in Lincolnton for more than 60 years. It was named "Industry of the Year in Lincoln County" by the Lincoln Economic Development Association in 2012.
At that time the company employed 300 people, before steadily declining to the approximate 130 employers who remain there now, LEDA Executive Director Cliff said.
In a statement the chief executive officer of Mohican Mills attributed its past success to the dedication and commitment of its employees and the trust and support of its business partners.
"We are truly sad that this action has to be taken but with all options exhausted to continue in business we are left with no alternative but to close," said CEO Steven Myers.
"I mean what can we do?" said one employee after her shift Wednesday. "There's nothing we can do but watch it go."
The Lincoln Economic Development expressed its sympathies to the company and its employees Wednesday.
"Mohican Mills definitely kept the Made an America brand strong," said Cliff Brumfield, the executive director of LEDA. "They really worked hard to do so when a lot of others jumped ship and went overseas. Mohican Mills didn't do that."
Brumfield said it hopes the employees can work for other industries moving into the area, some recently to Lincoln Industrial Park. The association said it is also relying on the state to recruit other manufacturers. On Tuesday the North Carolina Senate passed a bill to lure companies to North Carolina. The bill adds $5 million to the state's Job Development Incentive Fund.
"It looks like we're finally getting a package put together," said Brumfield. "Hopefully, that will allow us to grow and not only replace these jobs but bring even more."
The operations of Mohican Mills will be wound down in an orderly fashion as the company completes customer orders and prepares its facilities for sale, according to Myers.
Myers said employees and relevant government agencies have been sent a Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification that informs them of a company's plan to close and gives them a minimum 60-day notice as required by law.
The plant is expected to close between May 25 and June 8.
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