Fire-Dex, a rapidly expanding manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, is once again on a growth trajectory, marking the inauguration of a novel production facility in Old Fort, North Carolina. As the fourth significant production hub for the company, the recently established 25,000-square-foot facility in Old Fort, situated at 59 Commerce Street, will assume a crucial role in ensuring top-notch workmanship, expedited shipping, and attentive customer service for the foreseeable future.
“While our footprint is rapidly expanding westward, we serve a large portion of the East Coast with many relationships that go back decades,” said John Karban, Vice President of Operations for Fire-Dex. “Old Fort presents a unique opportunity to position critical resources closer to major customers and, at the same time, boost the local economy by keeping a number of jobs in Old Fort.”
Fire-Dex’s entrance into Old Fort follows the acquisition of a recently vacated facility dedicated to apparel manufacturing, which had previously provided employment to more than 60 associates. With operations now in full swing within the new space, Fire-Dex has accorded priority to the rehiring of these workers, thereby establishing an exceptional sewing-ready facility equipped with a proficient workforce and adept leadership.
“It was late in June when we found out about these jobs and flew our executives to Old Fort the following week,” says Bill Burke, Chairman and Owner of Fire-Dex. “Within 10 days a lease was signed for the facility, and we started the process of bringing these former employees onboard.”
“As of last week, we have begun shipping machines to the new location to prepare to set up a Fire-Dex facility and begin training,” says Jordan Shanahan, Old Fort Plant Manager. “We’ve hired 15 associates and plan to hire around 10 more by the quarter’s end, with many of these being former employees at this location. Personally, I am thrilled to be a part of a company that is committed to manufacturing excellence and has a vision to become a world leader.”
“Our new facility in Old Fort will meet the same high standards that all Fire-Dex facilities strive for,” Karban adds. “This includes Pelham, Georgia, where back in 2018 we succeeded in keeping over 50 jobs in the region after making it our home, and have since expanded to employ over 100 team members. More recently, our fast growth has made the addition of a fourth production center essential, and we look forward to welcoming the new associates to our Fire-Dex Family.”
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