WSJ:  Illinois based Solo Cup Co. has plans to close three of its plants by the end of 2012.  The closings – in North Andover, Massachusetts, Springfield, Missouri and Owings Mills, Maryland – will result in over 1,200 employees losing their jobs.

The company, like many other manufacturers in the country, is trying to “be more productive within a smaller manufacturing footprint” and has spent considerable resources increasing efficiencies at its other 10 North American plants.  Production volume and other assets will be distributed throughout its other facilities and Solo anticipates an increasing of hiring there as a result.