Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Danville, Illinois-based Watchfire Signs held a groundbreaking ceremony for its expanding manufacturing and office facilities earlier this month.
L-R Watchfire's execs: Paul Kero, v-p operations; Frank Dwyer, chief financial officer; Steve Harriott, president and CEO; Jeff Koebrich, vice-president of engineering Steve Harriott, President and CEO; Jeff Koebrich, Vice President of Engineering.
Watchfire will add over 110,000 sq. ft. of additional manufacturing space and 17,000 sq. ft. of office space at its Maple Street location. The new facilities will allow the company to consolidate its current three locations to one location, provide room for additional employees and help Watchfire keep up with demand.
“The ability to increase our manufacturing and office space is critical to reaching our growth goals, and we are fortunate that the timing is right to purchase the real estate we need in Danville to accommodate our growth,” says Steve Harriott, president and CEO, Watchfire Signs. “Having the entire Watchfire team in one location will facilitate communication and drive operational efficiencies.”
Watchfire selected Curry Construction, based in Mattoon, Ill., as its contractor, and the expanded facilities are expected to be completed in early 2013.
As the company expanded from its original location, employees in sales, manufacturing and whole-sign calibration worked among different sites in Danville and Champaign. When the expansion is complete, all employees will be under one roof.
Watchfire’s digital signs and billboards are made in its Danville factory using skilled labor, which helps make Watchfire products among the highest quality and best looking in the industry. In addition to manufacturing, Watchfire will continue to use its Danville location as the platform for providing world-class sales and technical support for its customers and to develop the next generation of industry-leading products.
“Watchfire is known for its quality, and we recognize that we can continue to exceed our customers’ expectations by expanding here,” says Harriott. “We are committed to driving efficiencies in our manufacturing process while maintaining our high quality standards. Our skilled workforce in Danville allows us to design, engineer and build the industry’s best products. This new facility signals our strong commitment to the community and our desire to offer our customers world-class support.”
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