News
Reliable PMW buys factory
1/8/2012
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Published by: The News Sun
Reliable Production Machining and Welding has acquired the former Drive-Sol manufacturing plant directly across Ohio Street from its corporate headquarters in Kendallville.
The 135,000-square-foot facility has been vacant for nearly three years since Drive-Sol closed its operations in 2009.
Originally established in Kendallville in 1968 by King-Seeley Thermos Co., the facilities eventually transitioned to various businesses including Eaton Manufacturing, Siebe Corp., Teleflex and Drive-Sol. The building has remained vacant since 2009.
"We have kept close attention on the property with hopes to acquire it for expanding our operations," said Reliable PMW president Chuck Drerup."The office and manufacturing space will allow us to continue our growth in a much more efficient manner while, in many respects, providing an upgrade in facilities for our manufacturing staff to continue building our high quality products."
Tom Walterhouse, CEO and co-owner of Reliable PMW, added, "The facility is in good condition and will need some improvements and cleanup work before any operations are set up during the coming months. There is no immediate target date for official operations to commence in the facilities, but it will likely be phased in throughout 2012."
"The logical course for any manufacturer desiring to remain competitive is to look for ways to improve efficiency," said Greg Salway, chief operating officer of Reliable PMW. "This new location will allow us to streamline our entire production and assembly process in a way that will enable us to service our customer needs in a more timely manner."
Patrick Hess, chairman of the Kendallville Economic Development Advisory Commission, said he is working with Reliable and Region 3A about the building and property purchase.
"The building acquisition and property improvements planned by Reliable qualify for tax abatement assistance in Kendallville. A special meeting of the Kendallville EDAC will convene later this month to review the incentives available and to make a possible recommendation to City Council for an abatement. Bottom line, it's good that a vacant building is being repurposed by a great company in our town," Hess said.
"Reliable has been an integral part of Kendallville for over 66 years. We are pleased that they have chosen to grow and invest, here at home," Mayor Suzanne Handshoe said after touring the facilities with Reliable owners.
Rick Sherck, executive director of Noble County Economic Development Corporation, visited with the Reliable management team regarding the purchase.
"They've been a mainstay in Noble County since 1946. I don't think many realize how their commitment to customers and community workforce has impacted their success. We are excited about the growth opportunity this new facility will afford them," Sherck said.
Reliable PMW manufactures parts and components for several original equipment manufacturers including Caterpillar, Toro, JLG and Hustler Lawn Equipment as well as distributing its ReliaBull Trailer Products to national retailers Balkamp-Napa and Northern Tool Back to Top