Clothing maker Gildan to close Alabama distribution center and cut 120 jobs

Gildan Activewear closing Ala. distribution center

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Canadian T-shirt and clothing maker Gildan Activewear is closing its distribution center in Alabama, cutting 120 jobs in Fort Payne.

Gildan spokeswoman Genevieve Gosselin said the company is consolidating its operations at a new facility it recently purchased in Charleston, S.C.

The move is expected to be completed in May.

Gildan’s knitting and administrative operations in Fort Payne — which employ about 430 people — will continue.

Gosselin said the company is asking employees affected by the closure to continue relocating to South Carolina.

Gildan’s retail distribution center includes hosiery and sales operations.

The company said in August that its profit fell in the third-quarter on weaker sales of high-margin items and a stronger dollar.