P&g To Close Hatboro Plant, Trim 365 Jobs Within 2 Years

In addition to the Hatboro plant, the Cincinnati consumer-products company said it would also close a pharmaceuticals plant in Puerto Rico in 1996, and a cough-drop factory in Sweden by December. In all, 1,100 workers will lose their jobs.

The company also said it would shut some production lines at four other facilities, but that doing so would have little effect on workers because they are expected to transfer to other lines at the plants.

The Hatboro plant, formerly known as Richardson Vicks Inc., was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 1986.

P&G chairman and chief executive Edwin L. Artzt said in a statement: "We regret the need to make these difficult decisions affecting employees and communities we care about, but P&G has a strong tradition of treating its people well, and we are committed to helping those affected move through their transition successfully."

The cost of the closings was part of a $1.5 billion after-tax reserve P&G set aside in July. Procter & Gamble said the consolidations would help it operate more efficiently.