ATHENS (AP) - Home Depot is closing its Georgia distribution plant that employs 300 workers near Athens.

The Atlanta-based home improvement retailer said Friday it's closing the four-year-old Braselton plant by the end of this year. Company Spokesman Steve Holmes says that's because the plant isn't as modern as the company's 18 other distribution centers that it uses to move merchandise to its retail stores.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that Jackson County may be able to absorb the job losses. Courtney Bernardi of the county's Chamber of Commerce says retailer Bed, Bath and Beyond is planning to hire up to 400 workers for a new plant in the area by the end of 2012.