SEAFORD, Del. (AP) -- Textile and chemical maker Invista says it plans to lay off 400 of the 500 workers at its nylon plant in Seaford by the middle of next year.
Invista spokesman Roger Ramseyer said Tuesday that restructuring at the nearly 70-year-old plant won't start until next year, but the company wanted to give employees and the community as much notice as possible.
The restructuring will focus on a part of the business that has been more successful, making a type of industrial fiber used in military apparel and conveyer belts used in paper-manufacturing. Ramseyer says the company will convert the plant to natural gas, from coal, at a cost of more than $15 million.
Wichita, Kan.-based Koch Industries, Invista's corporate parent, acquired the plant in 2004 when it bought DuPont Co.'s fibers and textile business.