Beaulieu of America officials announced today the reduction of operations at its Dalton Model Plant, effective Jan. 2, 2012. Approximately 150 Beaulieu associated will be affected. The plant has been in operation since 1989.

“We make each of these decisions very carefully,” commented Ralph Boe, president and ceo of the third largest carpet producer. “That’s why we wanted to re-evaluate this action before we announced.”

The tufting and dying operations at the Model Plant will be phased-out over the next two months, with production absorbed by other Beaulieu facilities. Beaulieu will make every effort to offer Model Plant associates other opportunities within the company, according to Boe. “This is regrettable but necessary in the face of a continued sluggish economy and reduced carpet demand. These two closures (Riverbend and Model) will allow our remaining tufting mills to operate on a more efficient basis.”