Robert Harris, founder of Robert Harris Homes, says in a letter to employees that the home builder had to shut down after efforts to restructure its debt failed.

"We are at an impasse on these negotiations and will seek other avenues of restructuring," Harris' letter says.

Sales agents for Robert Harris Homes were told last week to pack up their belongings and head home.

The Woodstock-based company has built more than 2,500 houses, mostly in Georgia, and a few in Manatee County, Fla. It recently expanded to North Frisco, Texas.

In Georgia, the company worked in Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Jackson counties.

Robert Harris Homes was founded in 1994 and grew to be the nation's 135th-biggest residential builder last year, according to builderonline.com.

This year, Robert Harris Homes has been plagued with work stoppages because bills went unpaid, frustrating subcontractors and potential buyers.

Here is Harris' letter to employees in its entirety:

"THANK YOU

"It is with great sadness and regret that I must announce the suspension of operations at Robert Harris Homes. Over the last several weeks management, shareholders, and a capital restructuring firm have been working with our senior lenders on a revised debt program. It now appears that we are at an impasse on these negotiations and will seek other avenues of restructuring.

"I want to thank everyone for the dedication, support, and prayers over the last several months as we attempted to weather this storm. Under the most difficult of circumstances you maintained our mission statement and SPECIAL VALUES in your work. Your attitudes lifted my spirits and served our customers and employees well.

"On a personal basis, I want to wish you all the best and remember the most important values in life reside in faith, family, and friends. I consider you all friends who have enriched my life immensely.

"The sun will come up tomorrow and it will be a new morning filled with opportunities for us all.

"God Bless.

"Bob Harris"