Premium Guard Inc. Revitalizes Champion Labs Factory in Albion, Bringing Jobs Back to the Community

Premium Guard Inc. Revives Champion Labs in Albion, Illinois

In a significant development for the American manufacturing landscape, Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) has announced the reopening of the historic Champion Labs facility located in Albion, Illinois. This decision marks a major investment in domestic production and will bring nearly 200 jobs back to the community, revitalizing an essential economic component that had recently experienced turmoil after the facility's closure earlier this year.

PGI, a leading name in the filter manufacturing sector, has acquired the Champion Labs assets from First Brands Group as well as related assets from the Fram facility in Ohio. This acquisition not only demonstrates PGI's commitment to enhancing American supply chain capabilities but also reestablishes a brand that holds significant historical importance in the filtration industry.

Champion Labs was originally founded in West Salem, Illinois, back in 1955, and had become synonymous with quality filtration products over the decades. However, the closure of the facility earlier this year resulted in a loss of hundreds of jobs, generating uncertainty and concern among local families and stakeholders. The announcement of PGI's plans to reopen the facility is seen as a beacon of hope, signaling a new chapter for Albion and its workforce.

Anan Bishara, CEO of Premium Guard Inc., expressed excitement over the reopening, stating, "Today is an important day for Albion and PGI. Our team is committed to this community, and our foremost priority is to resume production in Albion. In the last decade, trust was lost by a company that prioritized financial engineering over all else. Our philosophy is different — we are a customer, team, and product-focused company. We’re proud to help bring jobs and manufacturing back to a community that has played such an important role in the filtration industry for generations."

A key aspect of PGI's approach to revitalization includes welcoming back several former Champion Labs employees as part of a workforce that boasts deep industry knowledge. This strategy not only preserves the expertise that was cultivated at Champion but also reinforces the company's commitment to maintaining robust customer relationships, improving operational efficiencies, and upholding the manufacturing heritage that has contributed to Champion's respected status within the automotive aftermarket industry.

The reopening of the Albion facility is designed to serve as a crucial domestic manufacturing hub within PGI's expanding global network. Currently, the company operates facilities across nine different countries, but this commitment to U.S.-based production is pivotal in enhancing supply chain resilience in an increasingly globalized market.

Hiring for various manufacturing, operational, and support roles is expected to commence immediately. Local residents eager to join the workforce can find more information on application processes through PGI's official channels.

For the community, this announcement is more than just about job creation; it is a signal of recovery and growth following months of uncertainty. The presence of a trusted manufacturer not only strengthens the local economy but also inspires confidence among other businesses in the area.

As PGI prepares to resume operations, the company illustrates the strong belief in the revival of American manufacturing. Through unwavering innovation and a focus on customer satisfaction, Premium Guard Inc. aims to raise the bar for quality and service within the automotive aftermarket sector.

As we look forward to the future of the Albion facility, it is clear that the revival of Champion Labs will not only reinstate jobs but also foster a renewed sense of community identity and purpose, celebrating a legacy that has been instrumental in shaping the filtration landscape over the years.