Shaw will contract with a Calhoun-based company for cutting, sewing and packaging at rug facility Plant 7G, allowing Shaw to focus on tufting, dyeing and coating. The departments will remain open through the middle of January 2009. Shaw did not identify the company.

Shaw officials said they hope to place affected employees at other Shaw locations. Representatives with the Georgia Department of Labor will come to the plant to explain benefits, provide out-placement services and retraining.

Shaw employs about 1,800 workers at its Gordon County operations

CALHOUN TIMES