Bowling Green-based Fruit of the Loom said Wednesday it would close a Fayette, Ala., manufacturing plant.In a news release, the company cited continued weakness in textile and apparel sales as the reason for the plants closure. Phase down of the facility will begin immediately with a permanent closure completed by April 28.The company will provide the 290 employees a separation package that includes pay and benefits in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. The company has also contacted Alabamas Rapid Response Team to provide outplacement assistance and other services to employees.Fruit of the Loom is waiting for bankruptcy court approval to sell the underwear and active clothing manufacturer to Berkshire Hathaway. Fruit filed for bankruptcy reorganization in December 1999.