Continental’s announcement Friday that it will incrementally shut down its Aldora Mills operation here will leave some 230 people without jobs and marks the death of the once-thriving local textile industry.
The company plans to let employees go in stages beginning in March and close down the plant, which has been in continuous operation for 136 years, by the end of 2026. Continental acquired the plant is 1988.
Employees were notified of the decision at a meeting Nov. 14. In a news release, Continental outlined the reasons for it.
“The decision…follows a comprehensive business review to safeguard the company’s profitability, competitiveness and business performance in the Americas region. The plant has not been cost competitive for many years despite continuous turnaround efforts.”
At a meeting with local leaders Friday afternoon, company officials promised to offer career counseling and employment resources to the affected employees, many of whom have been there for over 30 years.
Once the shutdown is accomplished, considerable environmental work will be required on the site.
After that, the plant will likely sit vacant for an extended period as there are very few examples of small town textile mills in Georgia which have been successfully restored and repurposed.
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