Armstrong said it plans to close two hardwood flooring plants, in Center, Texas, and Oneida, Tenn., by April 9. The move will affect approximately 440 employees.

"We are idling mill and finish operations in Center, Texas, and Oneida, Tennessee," said Daniel Call, vp wood product management, Armstrong Floor Products. "The company is discussing the situation with the unions at the respective plants. We regret having to scale back operations in Oenida and Center. We consider this an action of last resort in response to current business conditions."

The Center-based plant makes engineered hardwood flooring. The Oneida-based plant makes solid hardwood flooring. The closures will bring Armstrong's engineered wood flooring plants down to two and solid wood flooring plants down to four.

"In Oneida, we’ll continue parquet, floor care, chemical plant and warehouse operations, and in Center, we’ll continue our veneer operations," Call added.

-Michael Chmielecki