Hundreds of textile workers are beginning their search for a new job today.
Burlington Industriesis closing its knitted fabrics division, including shutting down a plant in Wake Forest. About 750 pink slips were distributed there Wednesday.
More than 300 workers will leave another plant near Denton and the lines will be phased out by the end of the summer.
Burlington officials say the company can't compete with knitting companies overseas which pay wages of one dollar per hour or less. That allows the foreign companies to sell their products for much lower prices.
Burlington Industries, based in Greensboro, announced expansions in two other North Carolina cities when it announced the knitting plant closings. The company plans to begin production on a line of men's sportswear in its Cramerton and Statesville plants, adding about 110 jobs.
Company representatives say employees laid off yesterday will have first refusal rights on the new jobs
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