An estimated 460 jobs will be lost and an era will end over the next 20 months as J.E. Morgan Manufacturing, Hometown, closes its local textile-making operation and sends the work overseas.

Officials of Sara Lee Underwear, plant owner, announced the news to employees Tuesday morning, then to the community and economic leaders in the afternoon.

Christopher J. Romano, vice president of manufacturing, said downsizing will start in late January 2003, and continue until June 2004, while the task of producing the company’s thermal products is shipped abroad.