JPS Apparel Fabrics Corporation will cease operations at its South Boston plant by August 20, company officials announced yesterday.
The South Boston plant has approximately 346 employees and produces unfinished filament apparel fabrics for use primarily in the women's fashion wear market.
Employees learned the plant's fate during a series of meetings with company officials yesterday.
J.R. Griffin, plant manager, could not be reached at presstime but was expected to be available for comment today.
"We are extremely saddened to announce this closing, but, after an extensive study of our total apparel business, it became clear that we needed to further consolidate our manufacturing operations and exit certain filament fabrics markets," Reid A. McCart, JPS Apparel Fabrics president, said yesterday.
"This action is necessary as a result of a very large decline in our sales volume which was caused by the dramatic slowdown in the economy and a continual rise in foreign imports for our markets in the highly competitive fashion apparel segment," McCart said.
"The employees at the South Boston plant are among the most experienced in the industry and we plan to work with them to assist in finding employment at other area locations," Ronnie Brown, director of Human Resources, said.
Rumors earlier this week that the South Boston plant might close were triggered when employees received their paychecks several days earlier than normal and were told to cash and or deposit them immediately.
"Business is tough! We are operating in a very difficult economy, Brown told G-V reporters Tuesday.
In addition to the difficult economy, the South Boston operation suffered a devastating fire Mary 29 which causes significant losses at the plant.
The South Boston plant started 60 years ago as Carter Fabrics, was acquired by JP Stevens and was once a part of West Point Pepperell.
JPS Apparel Fabrics Corporation is a major U.S. manufacturer of women's apparel fabrics as greige goods (unfinished woven fabrics).
Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the company operates as JPS Apparel Fabric Corporation and has three manufacturing plants in two states.

The Halifax County-South Boston Regional Library will end the current fiscal year with a $25,000 budgetary shortfall, according to a report issued this week to the Library Board of Trustees by Paul Johnson, acting director for the system.
The report comes in advance of Tuesday's quarterly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees.
Johnson listed the primary causes for the shortfall as "skyrocketing expenditures in telecommunications and automation with two vendors, combined with a failure to reduce spending in other categories in order to end the year in the black."
Johnson explained in his report that actual expenditures listed as "telephone" were more than triple the figure of $7,000 budgeted for 2000-2001, primarily for five Sprint telecommunications lines (one T-1 line and four ISDN lines) that were ordered months before they would be needed.
None of those lines, according to Johnson, has ever been used. Johnson has since modified his state COVANET order to request two T-1 lines.
With a monthly 70 percent erate (electronic rate) discount, Johnson foresaw a $1,000 per month reduction in telecommunications expenses as a result of the modification.
Erate is a program administered by the Federal Communications Commission that gives discounts for Internet access to schools and libraries according to need.
"Our level or need was evaluated at a 70 percent rate," said Johnson.
In all, Johnson is seeking to cancel at least seven data lines this month, with three more becoming unneccesary once the COVANET installation is complete.
Johnson lists failures to cut back on expenses in library materials in order to compensate for increases in telecommunications and automation as a reason for the deficit.
The acting director said in his report that he intends to pay deficit-related bills associated with library materials (paid for out of state aid) within the first half of the fiscal year, and reduce new materials spending accordingly.
He also stated that since June 1, he had written an emergency check to Sprint for the amount of $3,705.92, using the presence of Gates Foundation funds, and asked about returning four unused and unneeded light pens at $500 each to reduce indebtedness.
Positive News
"On the positive side, the new automation system and the Gates Foundation computers combined with the T-1 lines will position the library to offer a whole new level of service in coming years," said Johnson.
"The present period is the foundatin for all future developments," continued Johnson, adding that an open house in the South Boston library is schduled during the installation period of computers purchased through Gates Foundation funding.
That open house, which will include a demonstration of of the computer work stations by Gates Foundation staff, is tentatively scheduled for July 23-24.
Gates Foundation computers will come along with a content server providing several additional databases such as encyclopedias, further enhancing the reference function.
The library's catalog and circulation system will be available through the Internet before the new Continuing Education Center's opening this fall, according to Johnson, enabling students there to have instant access to library records.
Since CEC's on premise library will be entirely electronic, Johnson feels that the books and periodicals of the South Boston Library would be a useful supplement for student research.
Johnson was named acting director of the library system in late May, succeeding Sarah Hudson who announced her retirement on May 28 citing personal and professional reasons.

South Boston planners recommended approval of an amended application submitted by Halifax Regional Hospital for a 50-foot zoning variance in order to construct a new parking lot, after a Wednesday public hearing.
Hospital officials amended their original proposal to rezone approximately 4 acres of land along Beechmont Road after protests from Beechmont Subdivison residents.
Many of those residents attended the public hearing, with several of them speaking in favor of the amended proposal, but only after issues of safety and neighborhood integrity are addressed.
Those were the paramount concerns for Beechmont Subdivision residents Eric Roberts and L.F. Elliott, whose properties are most affected by the hospital's proposal.
Both Roberts and Elliott spoke in favor of the amended application, with conditions.
Roberts, of 100 Forest Drive, asked that a buffer of spruce and pine trees be in place to shield adjacent neighbors from the sight and noise from the new parking lot.
The issue of safety was also raised by Roberts, who said that Beechmont Drive was on a hill that was severely sloped and dangerous. He asked that speed limit signs and no parking signs be put in place, and suggested the use of speed bumps to slow traffic down.
Roberts stated he would support the amended application if those issues could be met.
Elliott said that safety and landscaping were issues with him as well, saying that there were children in his neighborhood with bicycles and skateboards. He also suggested landscaping to cut down on the light from the project, and that as many trees as possible be allowed to remain.
Nelson Thompson, of 603 Forest Drive, also spoke in support of the application, but voiced his concerns that all aspects of the plan be "followed to a tee when a compromise is reached."
"The devil is in the details," warned Thompson, who wanted assurances that proper landscaping and buffers be in place.
Halifax Regional Hospital CEO Chris Lumsden and Stewart Nelson, chief financial officer for the hospital, assured Beechmont residents that all steps would be taken to address their concerns.
Lumsden said he is in favor of posted speed limit signs, no curbside parking and other appropriate ways to manage traffic, and would work with the town to achieve it.
Although Lumsden said some trees would have to be removed to improve safety at the site, he would use landscaping similar to that found on other parts of the hospital campus, including evergreen and pin oak trees.
Art Pape, an architect involved with the design of the parking lot, told Beechmont residents during the hearing that the lights for the parking lot would be no higher (30-feet) than the rest of the hospital campus.
The lights themselves would be high pressure sodium lights with a box design that would focus light on the lot itself and not off the property into surrounding areas, according to Pape.
Thompson was also reassured by the commission and town planning administrator Lee Pambid that the required site plan for the project would include the proper barriers.
Lumsden repeated the hospital's earlier position that they had no plans at present for the future use of the other land along Beechmont Road outside of the 50-foot variance requested for the 100-space parking lot, one to be used primarily for hospital employee parking.
No one spoke in opposition to the application, which will be the subject of a public hearing at the July 9 meeting of town council.

Halifax Town Council will receive comment on the town's proposed $1,236,504 budget - one with significant water/sewer rate increases - Saturday morning at Town Hall at 70 Main Street.
The public hearing begins at 9 a.m.
Public comment will be received Saturday but, as required by law, no action will be taken for seven days. Town council will meet Saturday morning, June 30, to adopt the budget as officials rush to meet the July 1 deadline.
On the budget table is a water rate increase of 65 percent and a sewer rate increase of 35 percent.
Town officials told residents last week that the town had been incurring a deficit with the water/sewer fund, one the town's general fund was tapped to cover.
Greene told residents at the earlier meeting that the town's reserves were growing slim and that water/sewer revenues should cover water/sewer costs.
Last week, following an advertised public hearing, council deleted a proposed five-cent real estate tax hike, one reflecting a jump from 22 cents per $100 assessed value to 27 cents.
Questioned by citizens during last week's session were salary range increases for the town's employees, capital improvement projects - with council dropping a back-hoe ($58,000), deleting a water line expansion ($40,000) and a wheel trash can proposal ($15,000) and reducing a proposal for a garbage truck from $72,000 to $50,000.
Council's decision earlier this month resulted in the altered budget proposal triggering this weekend's public hearing.
There will be a sign-up sheet for residents who want to speak at Saturday's public hearing. Citizens will be allowed three minutes at the podium, according to the town manager.
Vice-Mayor Jack Dunavant will chair the Saturday morning meeting since Mayor Dennis Osborne had a prior commitment. He is attending his son's wedding in California.

By Robert Benning
CHASE CITY - Hundreds of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative members gathered at the company's Chase City pavilion Wednesday night for an annual business meeting, and were urged by officials to learn as much as possible about the changes coming to future electric service through the state's deregulation plans.
"We performed a survey of our members in 1999 to see how much people understood about electricity deregulation," said Co-op President and CEO John Bowman. "Of those that participated, less than 50 percent understood what changes would take place when deregulation took effect."
Bowman explained that the General Assembly passed the Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act in 1999, in an effort to allow consumers to purchase electricity from the provider of their choice.
"It is similar to how you pay for long distance phone service," Bowman said. "Even though your local phone company continues to provide billing and repair services, you can use any one of a number of companies to provide long distance calling service."
When deregulation goes into effect in 2004, electric bills will be "unbundled" and individual charges will be listed separately, he said.
"One of the items on your bill will be the cost of electric supply service," Bowman added. "That is the item that you will be able to change, if you choose not to purchase electricity from Mecklenburg Electric."
Even though customers will have a choice of what power company to purchase electricity from, Mecklenburg Electric will continue to provide all other services, including line maintenance and emergency service."
Bowman said that the company and its customers will have to face many new issues while implementing deregulation strategies, and the public should remain aware of all future changes.
Along with providing continued service to their customers, company officials will "educate their members" on future market prices of electricity, and point out any hidden charges providers might try to add onto customer bills, he said.
"No matter who you choose to purchase power from, we will help you make the right choice," Bowman said. "We have always been a part of this community, and we will always support this community.
"Our new mission is to provide services, and create opportunities to enhance the quality of life in every community we serve."
Bowman pointed out a number of community projects and organizations the Co-op has worked with in its 63 years of service, including scholarship and tutoring programs with local schools, support of local emergency service departments, and involvement in community based groups such as the chambers of commerce.
Thomas Capts, President of Capts Shoe Company in Lynchburg, was also on hand at the meeting to thank the Cooperative for supporting his company's plan to enlarge its Gretna factory.
"We received a $250,000 economic development loan through the sponsorship of Mecklenburg Electric, and those funds will help us purchase new equipment and expand our Gretna facility," Capts said. "We are a successful company with approximately 140 employees, shoe contracts with the military, and we produce over 100 forms of women's dress shoes.
"Our success may not have happened if not for the support of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative."
Capts commended Co-op officials for supporting economic development in their communities, and hopes similar companies will step forward to help keep American jobs in America.

It took three losses before South Boston American Legion Post 8 picked up its first win.
But the win came at exactly the right time.
Playing its district opener, Post 8 downed South Hill Post 79 in a 26-14 slugfest Wednesday night.
The win gives Post 8 a 1-0 slate in district play and a 1-3 overall record.
"I'm very pleased to get this win," said Post 8 coach Barry Powell.
"We saved our best game for the time we really needed it. Our bats came alive. I was really pleased with how we swung the bat."
Post 8 out hit South Hill 19-7 with all but one starter getting at least one hit.
Andrew Norris led the way with four hits and Ty Hatmaker and Todd Meadows came through with three hits each.
Matt Clay, Justin King, John Jack and Jonathan Milam each had two hits. Brent long had one hit.
South Hill threw a scare into Post 8, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 6-0 lead.
Post 8 answered with two runs in the second inning that started with a single from Norris and a run-scoring double from King. A double by hatmaker scored King to make it a 6-2 game.
A three-run homer by King in the top of the third inning pulled Post 8 to within a run at 6-5 and Post 8 evened the score when Jack doubled and scored on a hit by Milam.
South Hill jumped on top again in the bottom of the third inning by plating two runs on three hits after Post 8 had retired the first two batters in the inning.
Trailing 8-6, Post 8, with the help of a two-RBI hit by Milam, rallied for six runs in the top of the fourth inning to take the lead for the first time at 12-8.
Post 8 scored five more runs in the top of the fifth inning with a two-RBI hit from Norris being the big blast, to go up 17-8.
South Hill countered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to make it a 17-10 score.
A solo homer by Meadows in the top of the sixth inning upped Post 8's lead to eight runs at 18-10.
Aided by a three-RBI double by Meadows and run-scoring hits from Long and Jack, Post 8 scored eight more runs in the top of the seventh inning to go up 26-10.
South Hill plated four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it a 26-14 score but it wasn't enough to keep the game going as it ended under a 10-run slaughter rule at that point.
Post 8 used three hurlers in the game with King starting and yielding the hill to Milam after two and two-thirds innings.
"He threw a lot of pitches in a short period of time," Powell noted.
"The umpire was calling the game real tight but he was calling it the same way on both sides. He threw over 100 pitches in about three innings. Once he settled down, he was so far down in the pitch count that we took him out."
Milam came on in relief and had a good outing, throwing 47 pitches.
Meadows came on to cap the contest and also fared well.
"He had some arm trouble at Hampden-Sydney this year," Powell said.
"We've been taking it day-by-day with him. He threw 50 pitches and didn't experience any pain. That was good for him."
Last night Post 8 was on the road to face Big Island in another district game.
"They've got a very competitive team," Powell said.
"We hope we can play well and come out of there with another win."

Katherine Alford Echols, 92, of Macclesfield, N.C., died June 14.
Funeral services were held June 17 at Macclesfield Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Charles Coates officiating. Burial was in the Macclesfield Cemetery.
Mrs. Echols attended the Flora-MacDonald School in Red Springs, N.C., and taught school in Halifax County for a number of years while her husband, the Rev. Joseph Todd Echols Sr., served as pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church, Nathalie. She was an elder and pianist at her church for many years.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda E. Perry of Williamsport, Md., Mary E. Clark of Littleton, N.C. and Ruth E. McNinch of Carrolton, Ga.; sons, Joe T. Echols of Richfield, N.C., Charles L. Echols of St. Cloud, Minn., and John A. Echols of Rocky Mount, N.C.; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Linda Winstead Alford; and her husband.

Memorials may be made to Macclesfield Presbyterian Church in Macclesfield.

Irene Gerst Goggains of Roosevelt, NY, died June 19.
Mrs. Goggains was born February 12, 1919, to the late Maude Owens and Claiborne Gerst and was married to the Late Postell Goggains.
Survivors include one brother-in-law, Joseph Marable of South Boston; one niece, Joan Johnson of Halifax; two nephews, Joseph M. Marable of South Boston and Claud Gerst of Queens, N.Y.
Funeral services for Mrs. Goggains will be held June 23 at First Baptist Church, Ferry Street in South Boston at noon. The Bishop Frank Otha White, pastor of The Church of God in Christ Little Zion of Freeport, N.Y.
The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral service at the church, and other times at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Johnson, 101 Hedgerow Drive, Halifax.

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