Regional Business Digest

REGION
Atlanta-based companyto close Howland plant
HOWLAND -- Atlantis Plastics said it is closing its injection molding plant in Howland, eliminating 30 jobs.
The Atlanta-based company said it is moving its production to other plants.
Severance and job transition benefits will be provided to impacted employees.
NATION
TJX executive to takeover as CEO at Pier 1
DALLAS -- Home accessories retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc., which has posted seven straight money-losing quarters, said Tuesday that a senior executive at apparel operator TJX Cos. will replace its retiring CEO. Alex W. Smith will take over as chief executive Feb. 19 from Chairman and CEO Marvin J. Girouard, who had led the company for nearly 18 years.
Pier 1 has tried a variety of strategies to reverse sagging sales but all have failed, and the chain suffered through a dismal holiday season. Sales at stores open at least a year, a key figure in retailing, dropped 10.7 percent in December, following a 15.3 percent plunge in November.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports