By By Adrienne McKenzie
Employees at Masland Carpets may be counting their days at the Atmore facility according to published reports that parent company, Dixie Group, is cutting workers because of “lagging carpet sales.”
In the next few weeks, Dixie Group will be dismissing up to 8 percent of its workforce siting the declining housing market as its deciding factor for cuts. As the housing market declines, so does the demand for carpet, which has cut into the sales of carpet. Both Atmore and Saraland locations of Masland will be affected by the layoff.
Frierson was unable to be contacted by the Advance.
Those who are not laid off by Dixie will feel a pinch also. According to published reports, the company will be delaying salary increases. Also vacant positions will not be filled. Sales staff will not be cut however.
According to the report, chief financial officer Gary Harmon said the number of individuals laid off has not been tabulated yet.
The penny-pinching measures carried out by Dixie will supposedly save the company a significant amount of cash. Frierson said less than $20 million a year will be saved.
Dixie does not plan on shutting down any plants even though factories are operating at less than capacity.
According to an employee at Masland Carpets, Masland manager Joe Liffick would not comment about the layoff as of press time.