One of the biggest employers in the county and the only plant in Whitmire informed workers yesterday that it's closing.

Renfro sent a letter to employees stating it will be “closing manufacturing operations at the Whitmire plant effective Jan. 30, 2009.“

The letter also states that plant officials will work with employees to discuss details of the closure. Employees will also receive benefits associated with the Trade Adjustment Act.

“This is a very difficult decision because of the number of dedicated and long service employees at Whitmire,“ said Norman Smith, vice-president of manufacturing.

He added the overall global economic downturn decreased demand for the socks the company makes.

The company is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of men's, ladies, and children's socks.

The announcement is a hard blow for Whitmire officials and store owners Michael Thomas and Edgar Baker.

Both say the closure will be detrimental to the town and their businesses.

“This is the worst thing that could hit the town,“ said Baker, who owns Baker and Son Hardware and represents the area on County Council.

Mayor Tim Carroll says the company employs 570 people and 40 percent of them live in the town.

Renfro is also the largest water user on the town's system.

The effects of the closure could result in the town revising its budget and even laying off employees.

Town and county officials are working to help the employees find local jobs and to recruit a new business to buy the facility.

The plant pays $155,860 in county taxes, according to Treasurer-elect Karen Lindler.

Employment Security Commission Area Director Demetria Fernanders said she knew things were not looking well, but never expected the plant to close.

“We expect a little more traffic with plants closing at the holidays, but not this,“

Carroll says he has contacted the state Department of Commerce asking that the property be listed and shown to potential employers.

Renfro was founded in 1921, according to the company's Web site, employs 5,200 people worldwide and has plants in Clinton, Mount Airy, N.C., Alabama, Tennessee, India, Turkey, Pakistan and Mexico.