Furniture plant cutbacks

BEDFORD, Va. - A furniture frame manufacturer plans to close several units of its Bedford plant in February, affecting about 90 employees.

Frank Chervan Inc. says it expects many of the affected workers to be offered jobs at its Roanoke headquarters plant.

The 80-year-old company attributed the closing to "rapidly rising health care costs and turmoil in financial markets."

Chervan manufacturers hardwood furniture frames for wood and upholstered seating. It said financial institutions are among the company's largest customers, and because of that sector's struggles it is preparing for significantly reduced demand next year.