CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Dial Corp. to Close 6 Plants: The Phoenix-based consumer products company said 700 people will be fired and that it will eliminate some product lines in an effort to cut costs. The move comes six days after consumer products company Colgate-Palmolive Co. announced it will close 24 factories and fire 3,000 workers worldwide. Dial said it will take a charge of $130 million, or $1.47 a share, in the third quarter. It said 1995 earnings will be within the range of $1.75 to $1.82 a share estimated by analysts. Dial’s best-known brands include the soap of the same name, Brillo scrubbing pads and Purex products. The company is facing increased price competition from Procter & Gamble Co., which has restructured its worldwide operation to become more efficient.