Premium Guard Inc. Reopens Albion Plant, Restoring 200 Manufacturing Jobs
After months of local uncertainty following the closure of the historic Champion Laboratories facility in Albion, Illinois, Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) is restarting production at the site. The move restores nearly 200 manufacturing jobs to Southern Illinois, marking a shift in the region's industrial trajectory and local economic stability.
PGI finalized the acquisition of Champion Labs assets from First Brands Group, including equipment previously tied to a legacy facility in Greenville, Ohio. The decision to reopen the Albion plant serves as a strategic attempt to bolster domestic supply chain resilience while reviving a site that functioned as a cornerstone of the regional economy since the mid-1950s. The company is actively recruiting former Champion team members to retain the specific engineering expertise and operational knowledge that historically defined the site.
CEO Anan Bishara stated that the company plans to prioritize product development and community integration, contrasting their approach with previous management which he criticized for focusing on financial engineering. Beyond local employment, the facility will integrate into PGI’s broader global manufacturing network, which currently spans nine countries. Hiring for manufacturing and support roles at the Albion campus begins immediately as the company prepares to scale its North American automotive filtration production.
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