Continued reduced sales brought on by a struggling economy has led Beaulieu to cease production by year’s end at its Riverbend facility in Dalton, Ga. The Riverbend plant has been in operation by Beaulieu since 1988, employs 170 associates, and produces tufted and finished carpet for the industry’s top carpet-only manufacturer.

“The production of Riverbend will be absorbed by our other carpet facilities,” said Ralph Boe, president and ceo, in a company-wide announcement today. “The majority of jobs will be transferred with the production and we will work with the associates affected by this decision to offer them opportunities elsewhere at Beaulieu.”

“We are disappointed with having to make this decision,” observed Boe, “but it is necessary for Beaulieu to remain strong and operationally efficient. While regrettable, closing Riverbend will allow us to adjust our capacity to reduced sales levels.”