Kohler closing Statesville plant, 500 losing jobs

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Kohler is blaming a weak U.S. housing market for its decision to close a kitchen cabinetry division and its Statesville plant, leaving 522 workers without jobs. Canac president Ralph Howard also blamed next month's closing on higher costs of raw materials, a drop in orders and a competitive, price-sensitive market. Kohler issued a statement that its other brands are doing fine, including its plumbing and mirrored bathroom cabinetry operations. Howard says the company considered selling, but there was no serious interest by potential buyers. Kohler had acquired Canac in 1996. The Greater Statesville Development Corp. is working to get state and local help for the workers. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)