244 more Fruit jobs leave county

By Dale Liesch (Contact) | Dadeville Record

Published Thursday, February 4, 2010

Officials with Fruit of the Loom announced Wednesday that 244 positions within Russell Athletic in Alexander City will be moved to the company’s corporate campus in Bowling Green, Ky.

Fruit of the Loom Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications John Shivel said in a statement that the move was made as part of the company’s “ongoing effort to streamline processes and improve efficiency and profitability.”

“Over the next few days, people affected by the consolidation will be provided details of the transition plan by their respective manager or supervisor,” the statement read. “We expect this transition to be completed by Aug. 1 of this year. Those people who choose not (to) relocate, but may be needed to assist in the transition plan, will be provided an advance 60-day notice of their anticipated last day of work in accordance with (the) Workforce Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.”

When asked about specific positions affected by the move Shivel stated in an e-mail that “the positions are in different functional areas,” but would not release any additional information as of press time Wednesday.

Alexander City Mayor Barbara Young said the “middle management” positions affected by the move would be hard for the city to replace and would take a toll on the families.

“It’s another devastating move, but we’re going to have to overcome this,” Young said.

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---