Citing several years of significant decline in the demand and sales of conventional commodity wall tile and trim, Florida Tile Industries has announced the planned closure and consolidation of its Lakeland, Fla., manufacturing plant, one of three manufacturing facilities the company operates. The move will begin in Jan. 2004 and be completed by approximately the middle of the year.
The decision affects 127 manufacturing jobs, with some selected positions to have the opportunity to relocate to the company's remaining plants in Lawrenceburg, Ky., or Shannon, Ga. Sixty-two corporate positions, including executive and most other customer support positions, will remain in Lakeland.