SC company closing 2 plants, cutting 700 jobs

Wellman Inc. plans to close its two plants in the Pee Dee and eliminate more than 700 jobs as part of its reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
   
Company spokesman Steve Ates told The Morning News of Florence that workers will continue to operate the plants in Johnsonville and Darlington for about 60 days.
   
The Fort Mill, S.C.-based company makes polyester fibers and products including packaging resins.
   
The company filed for Chapter 11 protection in New York in February. Ates said the bankruptcy is responsible for the plant closings.
   
The company said on its Web site Tuesday that it would centralize operations at its Pearl River facility in Hancock County, Miss., and plans to emerge from bankruptcy by year-end.