Atlanta— Bedding major Simmons Co. has announced plans to build manufacturing plants in Washington, Pennsylvania and southern Georgia during the next several months.

Two of the new plants will replace existing facilities, but the plant near Hazleton, Pa., represents additional capacity for the company. When finished it will give Simmons 19 factories in the United States and Puerto Rico.

"Building new manufacturing facilities in these communities will position Simmons to continue providing the best service possible for our customers and a great work environment for our associates," said Simmons Chairman Charlie Eitel.

Eitel said the new plant in Sumner, Wash., which is replacing a plant in nearby Seattle, should be open in November, while the Hazelton facility will be ready next March. The factories will employ approximately 140 and 225 people, respectively.

The third new plant, which will replace an existing factory in Jacksonville, Fla., probably will be in southern Georgia in a location to be announced later, Simmons officials said. The lease on the Jacksonville plant expires late this year.

The Georgia plant, which also will employ about 225 people, is slated to open next May.

"We have been fortunate to be working with world-class communities in our efforts to identify these new locations for plant facilities," said Eitel. "We believe these cities will be great places to continue the growth of Simmons Co. sales and culture."