FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) -- A spokesman for Wellman Inc. says the company will close its two plants in the Pee Dee, eliminating more than 700 jobs, as part of its reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Company spokesman Steve Ates told The (Florence) Morning News that workers will continue to operate the plants in Johnsonville and Darlington for about 60 days.
Wellman makes polyester fibers and products including packaging resins.
The company filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in New York on Feb. 22. Ates says the bankruptcy is the reason for closing the plants.
The company said on its Web site Tuesday that it would centralize operations at its Pearl River facility in Hancock County, Miss., and plans to emerge from bankruptcy by year-end.