Sewing Jobs Lost Due To Plant Closures

Hanesbrands Inc. announced Wednesday it will cut 5,300 jobs and close nine sewing and assembly operations in five countries. The underwear and apparel maker will close plants affecting nearly 5,000 employees in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as it moves production to lower-cost operations in Asia and Central America. Another 350 management and administration positions also will be cut. Almost half of the jobs lost will come from the Dominican Republic. The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company said the closings are a part of an ongoing restructuring effort to make its business leaner and more profitable. The restructuring will cost approximately $42 million, the company said.