The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Hanesbrands Inc. will close its Weeks hosiery plant, effectively ending its manufacturing presence in Forsyth County.
I’m not being flip here —especially when 240 workers are involved —- but it will be interesting to see if Mayor Allen Joines starts another task force in an effort to find a new occupant for the 850,000-square-foot plant, just like he’s done in an effort to find a occupant for the soon-to-be abandoned Dell plant.
Update: The N.C. Commerce Department says Dell has paid back state job development grants.
Bonus question: Where’s the bailout?
Bonus question 2: For nth time, why is nobody running against Joines for mayor? This would be perfect political fodder for an opponent — if only there were an opponent. Yes, I know —- textile plant closings are old news —- but this is Hanes, for heaven’s sake, shuttering local operations while Joines bends over backwards for Dell. Joines and the state can brag all they want about Dell paying back money, but that still doesn’t make it right.
