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Leslie Fay Cos. to Close Last U.S. Factory: The company said the closure will eliminate 600 jobs. The decision follows a mediator’s ruling that the apparel company be relieved of an obligation in a labor contract to guarantee the jobs at the plant in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The New York-based apparel company, which has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since April, 1993, said it has “no alternative” but to close the factory because it is unprofitable. Leslie Fay said it has begun notifying the 600 workers that it will shut the factory by Aug. 1.