FORT PAYNE, Al. — Renfro Brands, a major hosiery and apparel manufacturer, is relocating most of its domestic production from Fort Payne to Cleveland, Tennessee.
The company confirmed it will expand its Tennessee operations, creating about 75 new jobs. As part of the move, knitting and finishing operations in Fort Payne will shut down, affecting roughly 455 local positions.
Current Fort Payne employees will be given priority consideration for the new jobs in Cleveland, according to Renfro officials.
Despite the shift, the company plans to keep its warehousing and distribution operations in Fort Payne. Renfro said the consolidation will make its operations more efficient and adaptable.
Layoffs tied to the move are scheduled to take effect on December 27, 2025.
Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine said the transition represents a major loss for the city’s workforce.
