AISLES OF RACKS – The 375,000-square-foot distribution center features approximately 19,000 shelving racks, which soon will be filled with automotive filters and other supplies as they await shipment. Company officials noted the racks were produced locally by Bulldog Rack Co. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — A producer of after-market automotive filters and other supplies has officially taken up residency in the Ohio Valley.

Officials with Premium Guard Inc., based in Memphis, Tenn., hosted a grand opening Thursday morning at its facility at 491 Park Drive, unveiling the company’s newest distribution center.

“Weirton will be our third distribution center in the U.S., and the fourth in North America,” explained Anan Bishara, founder and chief executive officer of Premium Guard.

The company announced its plans to locate in Weirton in February, moving into a building which previously housed a rue21 distribution center.

The Ohio Valley, Bishara noted, provides a prime opportunity to expand its distribution footprint into Canada as well as the northeast of the United States.

GRAND OPENING – Premium Guard CEO Anan Bishara welcomed those gathered Thursday morning for the grand opening of the company’s new distribution center in Weirton. The facility, located on Park Drive in a building previously home to rue21, is Premium Guard’s third distribution center in the United States, and will assist in their expansion into Canadian markets and other areas of the U.S. -- Craig Howell

“It started with the geography,” he noted of the company’s selection of Weirton, adding the choice became more clear after they began to meet with local government and development officials who helped to point them in the direction of their new facility. “We were fortunate to find the right building.”

Currently employing 21 individuals, including several who previously had worked in the building under rue21, plans call for 100 jobs by the end of the year, according to Bishara, with the potential to eventually include a production line in addition to the existing warehousing and distribution operations.

Product, he said, should begin moving out of Weirton within the next 10 days.

As part of its growth, the Weirton distribution center recently was designated as a free trade zone – a geographic area, or building, where goods can be imported, stored or manufactured, and then exported, without being subject to most customs duties.

Founded in 1996, Premium Guard produces oil and air filters, wiper blades, oil drain plugs and gaskets, oil filter housing caps, tools, and other materials, with products under the Premium Guard, Highflow, Pureflow, PWR Steer, EcoGard, Premium Vision, Interfil, and 5Micron brand names.

Products are carried in automotive retail outlets including NAPA, Carquest, and Pure Zone.

“This is a great opportunity for us in the city,” said Weirton Mayor Dean Harris, offering credit to Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull, Business Development Corp. Executive Director Anthony Clements, and city Planning and Economic Development Director Mark Miller for their efforts in assisting Premium Guard in locating to Weirton.

Bishara echoed those thanks, noting assistance from the community in setting up aspects of the facility. In particular, it was noted Bulldog Rack, located in Weirton’s Half Moon Industrial Park, was responsible for the manufacturing of the thousands of storage racks now ready to accept product in the distribution center.

“It’s one of the most welcoming communities I’ve experienced,” Bishara said.

Following a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Bishara and Harris, guests in attendance were provided a tour of the facility.