KINGSPORT, Tenn. (AP) — Weak demand for solar glass has caused AGC Glass North America to permanently close its Blue Ridge Plant in Kingsport.
The Kingsport Times-News (https://bit.ly/Ukmlbg ) reported company officials told the 70 workers Wednesday morning the plant is being closed and sent most of them home.
Company spokesman Chris Correnti said slack demand for glass by the solar industry and a sluggish global economy were the main reasons for the decision.
The company hopes to employ a few of the workers at its operations in nearby Church Hill and Abingdon, Va. Any willing to relocate could find work at other AGC plants.
The company's Corporate Services Center next to the plant will continue to operate with more than 100 workers.
The headquarters for domestic operations of AGC is in Alpharetta, Ga.