Premium Guard Sets Up Shop in Weirton, To Eventually Employ About 100
Craig Howell Trending
A producer of after-market automotive filters and other supplies has officially taken up residency in the Ohio Valley.
Officials with Premium Guard Inc., based in Memphis, Tenn., hosted a grand opening Thursday morning at its facility at 491 Park Drive, unveiling the company's newest distribution center.
The company announced its plans to locate in Weirton in February, moving into a building which previously housed a rue21 distribution center.
The Ohio Valley, Bishara noted, provides a prime opportunity to expand its distribution footprint into Canada as well as the northeast of the United States.
"It started with the geography," he noted of the company's selection of Weirton, adding the choice became more clear after they began to meet with local government and development officials who helped to point them in the direction of their new facility. "We were fortunate to find the right building."
Currently employing 21 individuals,plans call for 100 jobs by the end of the year, according to Bishara, with the potential to eventually include a production line in addition to the existing warehousing and distribution operations.
Product, he said, should begin moving out of Weirton within the next 10 days.
As part of its growth, the Weirton distribution center recently was designated as a free trade zone -- a geographic area, or building, where goods can be imported, stored or manufactured, and then exported, without being subject to most customs duties.
Founded in 1996, Premium Guard produces oil and air filters, wiper blades, oil drain plugs and gaskets, oil filter housing caps, tools, and other materials, with products under the Premium Guard, Highflow, Pureflow, PWR Steer, EcoGard, Premium Vision, Interfil, and 5Micron brand names.
Products are carried in retail outlets including NAPA, Carquest, and Pure Zone.
"This is a great opportunity for us in the city," said Weirton Mayor Dean Harris.