VALDESE, N.C. — Hickory Hill Furniture is moving its upholstery operations to plants in Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee operated by parent company Norwalk Furniture and will close its plant here.

The facility employs 164 people and produces the Jaclyn Smith Home and Hickory Hill brands of upholstery.

“The Hickory Hill and Jaclyn Smith Home brands have been, and will continue to be vital collections in our overall sales, marketing and brand strategy,” Norwalk President Rick McKirahan said in a news release. “Unfortunately, as we adapt to the very dynamic and rapidly changing industry opportunities, economic challenges and consumer demands, we must consolidate our efforts to strengthen our organization and improve our financial and market positions for the future.”

The company said the plants in Norwalk, Ohio, Fulton, Miss., and Livingston, Tenn., have more modern operations and have the capacity to handle the Hickory Hill line. The consolidation is expected to be complete by August.

The Valdese plant previously was owned by Corson Furniture and before that, Crestline.