Premium Guard Inc. Strengthens Manufacturing with Phase 2 Acquisition of First Brands Group Assets

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), based in Memphis, Tennessee, has announced a significant milestone in its growth strategy with the successful completion of Phase 2 of its acquisition of key assets from First Brands Group (FBG). This strategic move reinforces PGI's manufacturing capabilities and expands its engineering and distribution networks across North America. The acquisition includes advanced production lines dedicated to oil, air, and cabin air filters based in Albion, Illinois. Additionally, PGI has secured vital manufacturing equipment from the historic FRAM facility in Greenville, Ohio. By consolidating these assets at the Albion site, PGI aims to create one of the most advanced filtration manufacturing operations in North America, further establishing its leadership position in the industry. A cornerstone of this acquisition is the inclusion of a state-of-the-art R&D center and laboratory focused on cutting-edge filtration technologies and water separation systems. This facility will serve as PGI's center of excellence for product engineering and materials science, ensuring that the company continues to deliver innovative, high-performance products to its customers. Employment is also a key focus of this acquisition. PGI has announced plans to initially reinstate approximately 300 jobs as part of the integration and restart of operations. The company expects to create additional job opportunities in subsequent phases as the business scales. These roles will involve key positions across engineering, manufacturing, and operations, reflecting PGI's commitment to investing in both infrastructure and the skilled workforce necessary for sustainable growth and innovation. Furthermore, the acquisition includes inventory assets spread across the United States and Mexico, ensuring a seamless supply chain while enhancing operational capacity. To reinforce its distribution network, PGI has entered into a lease for a 730,000-square-foot distribution center in Hebron, Kentucky. This facility marks PGI's fifth distribution center in North America and significantly enhances the company's logistics capacity. The Hebron center will act as a primary hub for several strategic brands, including Autolite, TRICO, and FRAM, and will support the expansion of PGI's Luberfiner heavy-duty filtration programs. These developments allow PGI to bolster safety stock, increase supply chain flexibility, and maintain exceptional service levels recognized by its customers. Founder and CEO Anan Bishara emphasized, "This transaction represents a profound investment in the future of Premium Guard and our customers. With advanced manufacturing capabilities and experienced talent, we are accelerating our strategy of building robust domestic operations while ensuring a diversified and resilient supply chain. Our expansion positions us better to support our customers with industry-leading services and innovations. Bishara expressed his enthusiasm for the completion of this acquisition, highlighting how it enables PGI to strengthen iconic brands while continuously investing in product innovation and customer service excellence. The Phase 2 acquisition not only reflects PGI's ongoing commitment to domestic manufacturing and distribution infrastructure but also underscores its determination to provide high-quality products and unparalleled support to the automotive aftermarket sector. As a leading supplier of premium automotive filtration solutions, PGI serves various retail and e-commerce channels throughout North America. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional quality, agility, and value within the automotive industry's competitive landscape. By leveraging its extensive portfolio and focusing on relentless innovation, PGI aims to uphold its reputation as a trusted provider in the automotive aftermarket, creating value for customers and stakeholders alike.