DALTON GA, October 24, 2011 – Continued reduced sales brought on by a struggling economy has led Beaulieu to cease production by year’s end at its Riverbend facility in Dalton, Georgia. The Riverbend plant has been in operation by Beaulieu since 1988, employs 170 associates, and produces tufted and finished carpet for the industry’s top carpet-only manufacturer.

“The production of Riverbend will be absorbed by our other carpet facilities,” said Ralph Boe, president and CEO, in a company-wide announcement today. “The majority of jobs will be transferred with the production and we will work with the associates affected by this decision to offer them opportunities elsewhere at Beaulieu.”

This move comes on the heels of the company’s positive announcement of securing $230,000,000 in loan refinancing. “We are disappointed with having to make this decision,” observed Mr. Boe, “but it is necessary for Beaulieu to remain strong and operationally efficient. While regrettable, closing Riverbend will allow us to adjust our capacity to reduced sales levels.”

For more information, contact: Jeff Meadows Chief Marketing Officer Beaulieu of America support@blissflooring.com

About Beaulieu of America
Beaulieu of America is the world's largest carpet-only manufacturer focused exclusively on making carpet for residential, commercial, and specialty markets. It is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia with $1.0 billion in sales and over 5,000 of the industry's best and most dedicated employees. It designs, manufactures and markets BLISS carpet for residential replacement, BOLYU carpet for specified commercial, AQUA carpet for the hospitality industry and Armstrong FASHIONSMART carpet for new home construction.

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