Mattress major Sealy, which has headquarters in Trinity, N.C., plans to move its Portland, Ore., factory operations to Lacey, Wash. The Portland plant employed 128 people. According to various news reports from media in the Portland area, Sealy said the costs of operating the plant were greater than at other company facilities.
Sealy announced tentative relocation plans to employees in September, but delayed a final decision to allow time for negotiations with local unions. An agreement was not reached.
The Thurston County Economic Development Council in Washington said it expects the Sealy facility in Lacey to be operational by April 2013 and to add 110 local jobs. The plant will occupy a former Spring Air manufacturing facility.
