Just weeks before Christmas, hundreds of Kentucky workers learn they'll soon be without a job.

Cintas announced Tuesday afternoon it will close its factories in Perry and Bath counties, and employees at those plants have only nine weeks until they're unemployed.

The company says the closures are part of an effort to consolidate its apparel manufacturing operations.

In all, 298 people will lose their jobs, effective January 31st of next year.

"Unfortunately, the economic climate and reduction in demand for products manufactured at these plants left us with limited options," said Scott Farmer, CEO of Cintas Corporation. "Our top priority is to assist our employee-partners and their families throughout this transition," he added.

The plant in Perry County makes uniform work shirt while the plant in Owingsville makes work pants.

Cintas says it will help the employees who are losing their jobs by providing severance pay and health-care coverage for a time.

Cintas is headquartered in Cincinnati and makes products like uniforms and restroom supplies for about 800,000 businesses.