Mississippi factory could cut workers without new contract

GOLDEN, Miss. (AP) - A northeast Mississippi factory that makes military garments warns it may lay some workers off if it can’t get another contract.

Mississippi Department of Employment Security records show Golden Manufacturing has warned 80 employees they could be laid off Jan. 4. Managers say the factory has more than 250 employees.

The company in Golden says a contract to make garments for the U.S. Navy is ending. Work for the U.S. Army is expected to continue. Managers said Thursday they are seeking new contracts to continue current production levels.

U.S. Defense Department records show Golden Manufacturing won a contract in 2014 for up to five years making coats for the Army and Navy. The final one-year extension was awarded in April 2017, records show, bringing the contract’s value to $105 million.

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This story has been corrected to show the factory is not at risk of closing but may lay off workers. An incorrect reference to coats being made in Georgia was removed.