Citing the sluggish U.S. economy and declining sales in high pressure laminate flooring, Wilsonart International said it will discontinue its Wilsonart Flooring product line and close the manufacturing plant in Temple, Texas that produces both flooring and cast sinks. Plans call for manufacturing to shut down on Oct. 29, 2010, and to cease operations on Dec. 3.

The company said it expects approximately 50 full-time employees to be impacted around the country. “Despite focused resources and programming toward building preference for high pressure laminate flooring and changes in processes, procedures, people, and product, we have not been able to sustain any turn-around in our business,” said Bill DiGaetano, Wilsonart North America president.

DiGaetano said Wilsonart will stand behind the flooring and sink products sold prior to and through the shut-down period. All warranties will be honored through their designated timeframe, he noted.