Duracell closing Lexington plant, cutting 280 jobs
By Associated Press
Friday, April 8, 2005 - Updated: 05:16 PM EST
LEXINGTON, N.C. - Gillette says a Duracell battery plant in North Carolina will close next year at a cost of 280 jobs.
Company officials blame the decision on declining demand, not the cost of cleaning up contaminated ground.
Boston-based Gillette acquired Duracell in 1996.
The company says they're phasing out production at the factory because changes in the camera market have affected demand for the lithium batteries made there.
The company will continue to make a limited number of lithium batteries at other plants.
In 1981, environmental regulators discovered that land surrounding the Duracell plant had become contaminated with mercury, cleaning solvents and potential toxins, which had leaked into a nearby creek.
By Associated Press
Friday, April 8, 2005 - Updated: 05:16 PM EST
LEXINGTON, N.C. - Gillette says a Duracell battery plant in North Carolina will close next year at a cost of 280 jobs.
Company officials blame the decision on declining demand, not the cost of cleaning up contaminated ground.
Boston-based Gillette acquired Duracell in 1996.
The company says they're phasing out production at the factory because changes in the camera market have affected demand for the lithium batteries made there.
The company will continue to make a limited number of lithium batteries at other plants.
In 1981, environmental regulators discovered that land surrounding the Duracell plant had become contaminated with mercury, cleaning solvents and potential toxins, which had leaked into a nearby creek.
