United Furniture Industries announces reorganization, plant closures

Move will reduce global workforce from about 3,000 to 2,700

TUPELO, MISS. – United Home Furnishings, the parent company of case goods and upholstery manufacturer Lane, is reorganizing its operations, a move that is expected to reduce its global workforce from more than 3,000 to just over 2,700.

The company is shifting one production facility in Amory, Miss. to a warehouse operation.

The company also is closing its metal stamping plant in High Point and shifting its Winston-Salem upholstery manufacturing plant to an East Coast distribution center.

The moves are expected to take place in the next two months, the company said.

The company said that it currently employs total 3,000 workers employed at 18 plants, offices and distribution centers in Mississippi and North Carolina and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“The decisions to make these changes did not come lightly, and where it was possible, we have taken specific steps to transition affected employees to available jobs in other locations,” said UFI Chief Executive Officer Todd Evans. “Our industry is experiencing a drastic decrease in consumer demand. Our inventory levels remain high and new orders from our customers remain slow.’’

“Our team is committed to the long-term success of our company,” he added. “That commitment requires right-sizing at the present time. We are confident that the product, sales, and operational plans that we have established will provide for a successful future.’’

The company said that affected employees will be guided through the transition with information about outplacement assistance and other support services including the continuation of unemployment and insurance benefits.